Elisandro "Elex" Onsurez

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid, John 14:27 Elisandro U Onsurez, passed away peacefully Monday, November 18, 2013. Elisandro was born September 20, 1916 in Loving, NM. He was the eldest son of Francisco and Clara Urquidez-Onsurez. As a child, he learned to work on the farm from his father, who supplied cotton to local farms. As he grew older, he began to take over many of the farm duties from his father, whose deteriorating health had left him in charge of the family affairs. After the death of his father, he shifted his focus to mining. Recent discoveries of potash deposits outside Carlsbad, NM brought attention to the world's largest potash producers. In 1938, he joined US Borax Mine. Over the next few years, he would expand his skill set and roles within the team. His early success can be attributed to his hard work ethic and his natural mechanical ability. Shortly after the United States had entered WWII, he enlisted in the US Army on March 6, 1942. He served three years with distinction as a soldier in the Pacific Theater, including the Eastern Mandates Campaign. He received commendations for his service with the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Detachment, which included the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest. Upon discharge from the Army, Elisandro returned to his beloved village of Loving, NM. He rejoined his mining team, where he would continue to work until 1985. After retirement, Elisandro pursued his other passion, the great outdoors. He enjoyed family camping trips, hunting, and fishing. To his family, he left behind a legacy built on integrity, loyalty and love. He was preceded in death by his father, Francisco Onsurez; mother, Clara Urquidez-Onsurez; brothers: Frank Onsurez, Samuel Onsurez, Abel Onsurez; sisters: Delphina Onsurez, Lili Onsurez and son, Gilbert Onsurez. He is survived by his brother, Victor Onsurez; sister, Theodora Ogas; wife, Maria Onsurez; sons: Ricardo Onsurez, Archie Onsurez, Daniel Onsurez; daughter, Caroline Duarte; son-in-law,Tony Duarte; daughters-in-law: Mary Onsurez, Gussie Onsurez; grandchildren: Lori Cooper, Michelle Rodriguez, Mark Onsurez, Matthew Onsurez, Kristine Onsurez, Michael Onsurez, Nathan Onsurez, Kimberly Chavez, Jesse Duarte and twelve great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Lena Domiguez and Mary Lou Olivo for the care given to Elisandro. There will be no public visitation. Pallbearers will be Mark Onsurez, Matt Onsurez, Justin Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Brad Rodriguez and Jesse Duarte. A Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm, Friday, November 22, 2013 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Loving, NM. Carlsbad Veteran's Honor Guard will provide military honors. Interment will follow in Loving Cemetery, Loving, NM. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.