Paco Anaya

Apolicarpio Anaya also known as “A.P.” y “Paco” was born into the home of Jesus and Rosa Hull Anaya on January 27, 1922 in Fort Sumner, NM.     At the age of 92 on April 4, 2014 A.P. the last member of his generation left this life to join his heavenly family in Paradise. Besides his parents who will joyfully welcome him to Heaven in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are his wife Carmen Ara Anaya; sisters Pelagia “Pearl” Anaya, Abelina “Evelyn” Mikulec, Epimenia “Peggy” Calloway; brothers Jesus “Jessie” Anaya and Filandro “Sam” Anaya; nephews Pedro “Nolly” Anaya, Max Crespin, Leroy Calloway, and Cecil Romine; niece Rosie Anaya Mead; great nephew Fabian Romine; and great-granddaughter Angelina Carmen Romero.     Upon his return from WWII Paco married his high school sweetheart, Carmen Ara, on August 1, 1947 in Vaughn, NM. They were married 59 years when Carmen passed away November 4, 2006.     Paco was a very proud WWII Veteran of the United States Army. He served as a Staff Sergeant, Battery C, 380th Field Artillery Battalion, 102nd Infantry Division, 9th Army. Recently Paco was honored to take part in recording his personal WWII experience for The Veterans Archives that can be found in the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. in six months. He also received a certificate of appreciation from the American Legion Auxiliary for A Proud World War II Veteran in recognition for being the “greatest generation” fighting to preserve a free society.     Paco's accomplishments and interests were as full as his 92 years. His family name is recorded in the history of Billy the Kids burial where his grandfather was one of four pallbearers. Paco was also a participant in the “Windows of the Past” celebration for the old Fort Sumner Days. He will also be remembered by many for his skills in arrowhead hunting, and as a musician playing the harmonica and accordion. He enjoyed pinon picking, watching his polka show, and old westerns.     Paco always wished he would become “rich” when he played the horse races and casinos. In all reality he was a “millionaire” for he was blessed with a great, loving family.         He is survived by daughters Angela Gutierrez (Leopoldo) of Albuquerque; Patricia Anaya of San Tan Valley, AZ; son Robert Anaya (Rita) of Albuquerque; grandchildren Jennifer Winklemann (Ian) of Seattle, WA; Ara Romero (Miguel) of Albuquerque; Naomi Murrietta (Daniel) of San Tan Valley, AZ; Amber Anaya (James Griego); Leopoldo Gutierrez III all of Albuquerque; and Jordan Anaya of San Tan Valley, AZ; great-grandchildren Max and Emma Winklemann, Josiah Romero, Rianna, Raquel, and Daniel Murrietta, and Lorenzo Griego. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.     We would like to thank Presbyterian Hospice in Albuquerque for their caring services.      A rosary will be recited at 7pm Sunday, April 6, 2014 from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vaughn, NM. Mass will be celebrated at 11am Monday, April 7, 2014 from the church with Father Paul Nkumbi officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn, NM. Pallbearers will include Leopoldo Gutierrez Jr., Leopoldo Gutierrez III, Miguel Romero, Jordan Anaya, Amber Anaya, Daniel Murrietta, Robert Anaya, and Mikey Anaya. Honorary bearers will include Ara Romero, Naomi Murrietta, Jennifer Winklemann, Frank Rael, Tom Rael, Yolanda Ara, Dolores "Dede" Heaton, James Griego, Connie Alba, Louis Alba, Emily Robinson, Marie Anaya, Debbie Anaya, Danielle Pearl Vallez, Bianca Cordova, Dakota Jackson, and all of his great-grandchildren.Arrangements are are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. 3rd Street, Santa Rosa, NM (575) 472-3369. www.chavezfuneralhome.com