LeeRoy Leonard Lucero

LeeRoy, affectionately known as "Jarhead", loved his family, the Marine Corp and the Dallas Cowboys in just about that order; LeeRoy loved the outdoors, camping under the stars, and the thrill of big game hunting.  

LeeRoy spent over 40 years making the yearly pilgrimage with his family to the David Westphall Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, NM.  He enjoyed brotherhood at Tent City with his fellow veterans, going fishing, and sitting around a blazing campfire.  Angel Fire has been a place of healing for many vets; sacred ground indeed.  It is therefore fitting that this would be his final resting place.

LeeRoy also found peace and healing in traditional ceremonies; dancing alongside other wounded warriors in the Blackfeet Gourd Society, Sundancing, and on memorial walks.  In the 90's LeeRoy, alongside other brothers, went on the Walk of the Warriors, a journey from California to Washington, DC to dedicate the first ever Women's Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  LeeRoy dedicated his life to helping other Veterans through ceremony, advocacy, counseling, and brotherhood.

LeeRoy took pride in his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments, acknowledging what they did and encouraging them to achieve even more.  They were devoted to him, just as he was always there for them.

Football season was another year of religiously watching the Cowboys.  Knowing this was the year that they were going to win it all, and yet wondering at the end of the season, "What happened?"  It will be difficult watching another game without him.

His years in the Corp instilled in him the "Semper Fi" way of life -- get it done, do it right; always faithful to his family, to his fellow vets, and to his country.  A couple of weeks ago he was honored for his service and advocacy for other Vets by the Combat Vet Motorcycle Association and the Moose Lodge Riders of Valencia County.  Through the Purple Heart Association LeeRoy helped many veterans get their service-related benefits.  His military citations attest to his bravery in the service, courageously living through years of sickness attest to his bravery in facing life.

LeeRoy is preceded in death by his mother, Odelia Trujillo and father, Genaro Lucero.  He is survived by his wife, Theresa M. Lucero of 50 years; sons LeeRoy Lucero, Jr. and wife, Eliza Marquez; and David Lucero.  Daughters:  Leah Rice and husband Garrett; Monica Lucero and Arlo Starr (deceased).  Sisters:  Dora Torres and Floyd (deceased), Rita Chavez, Patricia Baldonado and husband Norbert and Susanna Orquiz and husband, Noel.  Grandchildren:  Katrina Lucero, Ishmael Lucero, Brock Rice, Arianna Lucero and great-grandson, Ezra Gutierrez.

A Rosary will be recited Monday, March 11, 2024 , at 9:30 am at San Clemente Church in Los Lunas with Mass to follow.  Interment will take place at the Angel Fire State Veteran Cemetery, Angel Fire, NM; Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 12:00 pm.

Pallbearers:  Tony Brito, Garrett Rice, Carlos Narvaez, Carlos Piro, Angelina Montano, and Eddie Chavez.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Porfie Moreno, Ishmael Lucero, Nickolas Baca and Arianna Lucero.

Godchildren:  Suzanna Asborne, Angelina Montano, Victor Montano Jr., and Nickolas Baca.

Our heartfelt thanks for the love, prayers and kindness given to LeeRoy.