Elmo Lee Amador, Sr., 68, He was born on May 15, 1956 to his parents, Belder and Mary (Garcia) Amador in Rincon, NM. The family moved to North Hurley during Elmo's childhood where he helped in the building of his childhood home built of railroad ties that his dad acquired from working on the Santa Fe Railroad. Elmo graduated from Cobre High School in 1974 and joined the U.S. Army that same year. He served his country until 1980. After his military service he went on to attend Western New Mexico University where he earned his master's degree in Arts and Interdisciplinary studies. He taught middle and high school in the Deming, Cobre and Silver School districts until his retirement in 2005. Elmo was teaching at the Silver High Opportunity School, one of his favorite places. He touched many lives throughout his years. Students would always stop him to say "Hi" and he called them all "mi hijos and mi hijas." During his retirement years, Elmo enjoyed riding his Harley, "Gorjus" and working on his VW bug. He was always working on something in his yard and would sketch all his plans for his next build or landscape. His greatest pride and joy were his children and grand-children. The great "Grampa Memo" will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on.
He was preceded in death by Parents; his brother Joe Amador; his son-in-law Jaime Lujan; his brother-in-law, Albert Placencio. He is survived by Sister Berlinda Placencio of Silver City; children, Naomi Portillo (Ric) of Silver City, Yllana Lujan of Las Cruces, Joe Amador of Silver City and Elmo Amador, Jr. of Silver City; his step-daughter, Victoria Oglesby: his grandchildren, Brinda Vargas, Britni and Daniel Parra, Jaymes and Noah Lujan and Jett, Rogan, Tre, Gracie, Leixia and Enzo Amador; his three great-grandchildren, Charlie, Zachariah and Oliver; his numerous nieces and nephews.
He entered eternal rest Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family, Rita, Lucy and Jo-Jo.
Visitations will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 10:00am-10:30am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels, with the Holy Rosary commencing at 10:30am, recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez. The Funeral Mass will be held at Infant Jesus Shrine (Hurley, NM) at 12:30pm with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. Interment will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:00am at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Pallbearers are Elmo Amador, Jr., Joe Amador, Larry Martinez and Jo Jo Montenegro, Tony Martinez and Lucy Montenegro.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .
