Francisco "Pancho" Luna Leyva

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Francisco "Pancho" Luna Leyva of Las Cruces, NM. Pancho passed away on Friday, January 8, 2016 at La Posada, Mesilla Valley Hospice surrounded by his loving family at the age of 93. He was born on Oct 10, 1922 to Amado and Rosa Leyva in Telingua, Texas. He was the oldest of 12 children. At the age of 13, he quit school and entered the workforce to help support his family. His first job was working in the coal mine. He left the coal mines and took a job at the railroad and also tried his hand as a truck driver, before he found his calling. He entered the construction business as a lather. He worked in construction for 42 years and retired in 1984. He married the love of his life, Flora Alvarado on June 11, 1948 and raised two daughters. Pancho owned his own farm and had a passion for gardening and raising small farm animals. He was a stranger to none and a friend to all. He was very compassionate and was always willing to help anyone. Pancho loved children and was the 'adopted' grandpa to many. He is survived by his daughter Lori Leyva of Las Cruces, a "brother" Ramon Leyba from Midland, Texas, brother-in-law Robert Castillo, from Carlsbad, NM, his devoted nephew Lorenzo Leyba from Roswell NM, grandchildren Veronica Paulin and David Francisco Leyva from Tucson, AZ, seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Flora, daughter Annie Leyva Castillo, and his brothers and sisters. Visitation for Pancho will begin at 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil will be held at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, January 12, 2016, in the San Jose Catholic Church in Carlsbad, NM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday, January 13, 2016, 1:00 PM at San Jose Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Santa Catarina Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Serving as casket bearers will be Lorenzo Leyba, Ramon Leyba, Armando Corona II, Michael Meehan, Andrew To, Juan Munoz and Robert Castillo Sr. Honorary casket bearers will be James Connelly and Christopher Hernandez. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com