Archie War Jr.

Jose Archie War, Jr., a lifelong resident of Espanola, was called Home by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 5, 2019, after a sudden passing.  He was born on December 28, 1963 in Espanola, New Mexico.  He attended school in Espanola, New Mexico.

Archie was preceded in death by his sister, Anabelle War, who loved him so much and he loved and missed her very much, and who we are sure was waiting for Archie with open arms when Jesus called him.  He was also preceded in death by his cousin, Bobby Lopez, who he considered and treated as a brother. Also preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Margarito and Sirila War, maternal grandparents, Agapito and Anna Maria Madrid, a very Special Aunt, Orsinia Lopez, who was very close to Archie and who she lovingly called “Chenio.”  He was also preceded in death by his cousins Benny Lopez and Molly Martinez.

Archie is survived by his parents, Isabel and Archie War, Sr., his sons, Elias (Crystal), Fernando (Jolene), and Daniel Rey War, his grandchildren, Dominic, Keanna and Carter Rae War, and his step grandchildren, Marissa and Justin, a very special uncle, Isauro Madrid, uncle, Cruz Madrid, and a special aunt, Virginia Garcia. Archie is also survived by the mothers of his children, MaryLou Lovato and Lydia Apodaca. He is also survived by many other aunts and uncles and many other relatives and friends.

Archie was employed by Johnson Control at the Los Alamos Labs as a taxi driver for many years.  He loved his job and as was his nature and personality, he became friends with all of his co-workers as well as with his customers. He was very well liked by everyone. Archie was a very kind, generous, loving person who would help anyone in need.  No one was a stranger to him.  Archie was blessed with an abundance of friends everywhere.  He had a great love, loyalty, and respect for his parents, his family, and his friends.  He was very close to his parents and always had great concern for them.  He was a loving and loyal son.  Archie was very devoted and loved all three of his sons very much.  You could hear the joy in his voice when he spoke about them.  He was so very proud of them all and his grandchildren.  He visited then often and they him.  He loved spending time with them and playing with the grandkids.

Archie loved animals and had a few pets during his lifetime.  His most favorite was the dog he now owned.  He got Zorro as a baby pup a few years ago and they became the very best of friends.  They would go for rides in Jose’s truck with Zorro sitting up on the passenger side taking in the view.  They drove to Abiqui where they would play in the water at the river and there were many other places they visited. Zorro accompanied Archie everywhere, and at night at home he would keep watch over him.  Zorro is smart and was a loyal companion to Archie.  Now that Archie is gone, Zorro still goes to his home and scratches at the door in hopes that the door will be opened by Archie. You can see the sadness in Zorro’s eyes as he searches for his beloved owner.

Archie enjoyed fishing, camping, and taking rides into the country and mountains and just enjoying nature.  He loved to be out driving and being at peace with himself and his creator.  He also enjoyed cleaning his yard as well as his parents’ and always managed to stay busy and occupied.  He loved doing things for his parents.  As a teenager and young adult he loved cars – fast cars.  He particularly loved his Challenger and loved to run it fast and ride with the wind. Many friends and family remember this about Archie.  Archie will be greatly missed by his family, friends and everyone who knew him.  Archie will live in our hearts forever.

Public visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. with a Wake Service to follow. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in Espanola. Burial to follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Serving the family as pallbearers are Elias, Fernando and Daniel Ray War, Rick Sanchez, Tomas Lopez, and Johnny Martinez.  Honorary Pall Bearers are Alex War, and Jake and Robert Baros. The family of Jose Archie War Jr. has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com