Gary Olguin Acosta

Gary Olguin Acosta of Artesia and formerly of Carlsbad, NM, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM. He was 51. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil is scheduled for 7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at San Jose Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Martin Cordero officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. New Mexico Army National Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Gary was born to Juan and Loretta Jean (Olguin) Acosta on December 28, 1964 in Carlsbad. He was raised in both Carlsbad and Artesia and graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1983. After graduation, Gary worked for the Carlsbad Municipal Schools until joining the US Navy in 1990. He was stationed out of San Diego, CA and proudly served on the USS Vincennes. During his service, he was in the Persian Gulf War and also traveled the globe, including Japan, Korea, the Middle East and South America. After 4 years of service, he was honorably discharged and returned home where Grandma Mickie and his family and friends gave him a hero's welcome. He continued a career in the military by joining the US Army National Guard, where he served for almost 20 years. During this time, he also pursued a career in teaching. In 2011, Gary received his Master's in Education from NMSU-Carlsbad and was working on a doctorate degree from Eastern New Mexico University-Portales. He taught in Hobbs, Loving, Lake Arthur and Carlsbad, however found his calling in Artesia, where he taught and coached at Zia Intermediate. "Mr. Acosta" always gave his students support and encouragement and pushed them to study and do their best for themselves. He also enjoyed coaching, which he also continued after returning from the service. Gary coached girls softball, baseball, Little Cavemen Football and was currently coaching football with Artesia Schools. Gary most of all enjoyed spending time with family and great friends. It was rare to find him home on weekends or holidays because he was out of town visiting family or good friends he made throughout his lifetime, especially his old shipmates from the USN. He enjoyed listening to music of all kinds, especially old songs that reminded him of times passed at Grandma Mickie's. Gary also enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews, making them laugh, being silly with them or giving them advice. He made a special place in his heart as well for his Goddaughter, Karsyn. He was very happy to have her in his life. Gary is survived by his father, Juan B. Acosta, Jr. and wife, Martha of Carlsbad; brothers: John Michael Acosta and wife, Lisa of Artesia; Jeffery Acosta and life partner, Stormy Medina of Carlsbad; sister, Valerie O. Cole and step-brother, Joey Nevarez of Carlsbad. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Sabrina Marie, John Elvis and Jarod Michael Acosta of Artesia, Sabrina Leanne, Alexis and Kimberly Acosta of Carlsbad and Phenix Cole of Portales. Gary is also survived by his Goddaughter, Karsyn Jimenez of Artesia and numerous aunts, uncles, close cousins and a circle of amazing friends. Pallbearers will be Rudy Olguin, Greg Olguin, Phenix Cole, Leslie Carrasco, Billy Sapien, Marito Armendariz, Rudy Martinez and Rico Morales. Throughout the years, Gary would be known by many as "Gary Ganu", "Uncle", "Coach", "Mr. Acosta" and lovingly and lastly, "Nino Gary" by friends and family. Gary always thought of others before he thought of himself and this showed most with his family, close friends and students. He not only loved many, but he was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com