Nelson E. Cordova Sr.

December 15, 1940-January 21, 2026

Nelson E. Cordova Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy illness.

Nelson was born in Cordova, NM, to Eloy and Lugardita Cordova, who preceded him in death. He grew up in the heart of Northern New Mexico and was a proud graduate of Española High School and was a lifelong resident of the Española Valley.

Nelson was also preceded in death by his daughters, Bridgette T. Cordova and Tammy A. Maes, his siblings, Nancy, Walter, Donald Lee, Alfonzo, Harry, and Juan de Dios Cordova, his parents-in-law Juanito and Celestina Maes, brothers-in-law, Tommy and Adolfo Maes and sister-in-law Margaret Alvarez.

Nelson is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Eva Cordova, his sons Ernie Cordova (Dave Zyck), Matthew, Walter (Nancette) and Nelson Cordova Jr. (Vanessa), his cherished grandchildren Kayla, Levi, Matlyn, Sienna, Aubrey, Bridgette Rowen, and Ricco, brother Nestor Cordova (Patsy), sister Nora Ortiz (Santiago), brothers and sisters-in-law Gloria, Priscilla (Abel), Evelyn, Marie (Tommy, deceased), Mary Lou (Tony), Virginia (Archie), Rosemary (Joe), Barbie (Michael), Melanie (Ken), Juanito (Antoinette), Fernando (Dorothy), Fermin, and Joseph (Guadalupe) many nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren and close friends.

Nelson lived a life dedicated to his family, and had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, serving the public with dedication and integrity. After graduating high school, he began a long and dedicated career in law enforcement in the early 1960’s with Española City Police Department, as a Deputy Sheriff for the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office, as a Deputy Marshal and Marshal for the Town of Red Cliff Colorado, returning to the Española City Police Department until retiring in 1992. Nelson became a candidate and was elected as Rio Arriba County Sheriff. Nelson was the only Sheriff in Rio Arriba County who served 10 years as Sheriff after having won one, two-year term and two, four-year terms retiring as Sheriff in 2002. Nelson continued his law enforcement career as UnderSheriff from 2003 until 2007 when he retired, for a total of approximately 45 years. He was known for his courage, fairness and deep commitment to the safety and wellbeing of his community. His life was defined by service—to his family, his county, and the people of Northern New Mexico. He will be remembered for his strength, quiet humor and steady presence.

A Rosary for Nelson E. Cordova will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with a Public Viewing at 5:30 pm, with Rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, with Burial to follow at the Cordova Catholic Cemetery in Cordova, NM.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Adolfo Maes, Daniel Maes, Daniel Griego, Juan Maes, Adreien Jaramillo and Andrew Martinez.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Manuel Valdez, Felix Valdez, Howard Sandoval and all his nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Hospice of Northern New Mexico, especially Nurse Chacha for the compassionate care and comfort he provided Nelson during his illness.

Arrangements for Nelson E. Cordova are entrusted to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

The family of Nelson Cordova has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477