Tommy Gomez Duarte, Sr

Tomas Gomez Duarte, Sr., 83, of West Pierce Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Lakeview Christian Home. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil is scheduled for Sunday, April 21, 2013, 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, April 22, 2013, 2:00 PM, at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Valentine Jankowski, OFM, Conv. officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Tomas Gomez Duarte, Sr. was born on March 7, 1930, in Carlsbad, NM to Placida Gomez Pelaiz, and was later adopted by his uncle and aunt, Andres M. and Gabina (Gomez) Duarte. He proudly served in the Army during the Korean conflict. Tomas married Luz Carolina Castillo on November 2, 1952, in Malaga. She preceded him in death February 17, 2003. Tomas has been a life-long member of the Carlsbad/Malaga area. He has been a farmer his entire life. Tomas loved to go with his family to ball games and also enjoyed watching them on TV. During the late 50s to mid 60s, he was a manager for the men's baseball league in Carlsbad. Tomas loved music and enjoyed singing. He also enjoyed traveling. Tomas was known for his asado, and was often requested to cook it for special events, including weddings. He often helped organize fundraisers to raise money for various causes. Tomas was a member of Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Malaga. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers: Jose Pelaiz, Marcelino Pelaiz, Moses "Chevy" Navarette; sisters: Margarita Pelaiz and Rosa Franco. Survivors are his children: Melinda Garcia and husband, Ancelmo of Glendale, Arizona, Dahlia Chavez and husband, Roy of Carlsbad, NM, Tommy Duarte and wife, Carla of Malaga, NM, Pedro Duarte of Malaga, NM, Maria Vasquez and husband, Joe of Los Lunas, NM, Michael Navarette and wife, Cecilia of El Paso, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Ancelmo Garcia, Jr., Joshua Duarte, Gabriel Chavez, Gabriel Chavez, Jr., Tim Baca and Delfin Hinojos. Honorary pallbearers are David Navarrete, Sr., Gilbert Hernandez, Pedro Fierro, Noberto Rios, Manuel Gomez, Roy Chavez, Ancelmo Garcia, Sr., Joe Vasquez and Tomas' grandchildren. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.