Tomas Apodaca

Tomas Apodaca, 83, known by many as Tom or Tommy, left this earth to be with our Lord on Monday January 10th, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born in Santa Fe on April 5th, 1938, to Jose Apodaca and Rosita Herrera- Apodaca. He grew up in and was fond of his home community of Chamita. He always had and passed on a strong work ethic. He began his working career at a young age being introduced to a life of hard work beginning in the coal mines in Colorado. Upon returning to the Espanola Valley, he immediately found work with a construction company as a rock crusher operator then on a road paving crew. In the off season he applied for work at the Art Houle Chevrolet dealership and started on a lifelong path to automotive service. Throughout his young life, he worked at most auto dealerships in the Valley including Hunter Ford and Cimino’s GMC Buick. Later, Tom became a lifelong partner with Henry Cordova at Henry’s Chevron at the corner of Riverside Dr. and Fairview Lane. Together they served the Valley as a team at one of the longest running full- service gas stations in Espanola. Tom enjoyed meeting new people and offering help to people in need. Many lifelong relationships were born and developed at the Station.

In his retirement, he cherished time spent with his family. One of his greatest joys was having his entire immediate family together to celebrate birthdays and holidays. He took great pride in seeing his work ethic continued in his children. Tom was especially proud of who his children turned out to be. He admired and was proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and he especially loved and cherished their visits and sleepovers.  Tom enjoyed watching baseball, football, boxing, and wrestling. He had great faith in God and a special devotion to Our Lady through the rosary.

Family members who preceded him in death and lovingly welcomed him into heaven include his parents, Jose and Rosita, grandparents who helped raise him, Dolores and Manuel Herrera, Sr. Brothers Juan Luis, Joe and Ernesto Apodaca and sister Juanita Apodaca. Father and Mother-in-Law Juan and Lugarda Miera. Sisters-in Law, Berlinda Martinez, Annabelle, and Joann Miera. Brothers-in-Law Steve Miera and Joe (Gabriel)Martinez.  Nieces Gloria Stuart, April Trujillo, and Joyce Fresquez and nephew Steve Harris.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lourdes, his children Janet Trujillo and husband Steve, Juanita Apodaca and fiancée Eric Norris, and Tomas Apodaca and fiancée Autumn Martinez.

Grandchildren Stephen Trujillo and wife Kristi, Zach Trujillo, Alyssa, Xander and Ava Rose Apodaca, Donnie Martinez and Jacob and Madison Norris. Great-grandchildren Faith and Emma and future baby Trujillo. Godchildren Myra Vigil and Peggy Esquibel, Aunt and uncle Maria and Manuel Herrera Jr., sister Rosemary Bair and husband Ken. Brother Pat Apodaca and wife Dorella.  Sisters-in-Law Pablita Esquibel and husband Horace and Connie Apodaca. His pet and best friend that never left his side, Pepito. As well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

The family would like to thank those special people who helped care for Tom, all those who came to visit him and all those who offered prayers for him. A special thank you to Alayna and the staff with Ambercare. May God Bless You All.

Serving the family as pallbearers are David and Michael Martinez, Martin Dixon, Stephen and Zach Trujillo and Pete Garcia.

Honorary pallbearers are Horace Esquibel and Floyd Cordova.

Private services will be held.

The family of Tomas Apodaca has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477 devargasfuneral.com