Carmel A. DeHerrera

CENTER — Center resident Carmel A. DeHerrera, 77, passed away May 28, 2019 at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Carmel was born on July 16, 1941 in Arroyo Seco, N.M., the beloved son of Virgil DeHerrera and Manuelita Flores DeHerrera. He was united in marriage to Clara L. Cordova on Oct. 23, 1959 in Tierra Maria, N.M. and the two shared a long and happy union until his passing. Carmel was an outstanding and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, working outside in his garden, he was an avid sports fan and he absolutely loved the time he spent with his family and friends.

Survivors include: his wife Clara D. DeHerrera of Center; daughters Casimira (Daniel) Sanchez of Westminster, Vivian (Greg) Florez , Annabelle (Anthony) Florez both of Pueblo West, and Annette (Jack) Sayre of Aurora; sons Alan (Rose Marie) DeHerrera of Center, and Dennis (Amanda) DeHerrera of Pueblo; 16 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, sisters Loyola (Tom) Quintana, Angie (Manuel) Sedillo, Lorrainae Tafoya (Ray Salazar), Dolores (Andrew) Lucero, and Mary Ann (Jose) Gracinano all of Denver; brothers Larry DeHerrera of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Virgil DeHerrera of Pueblo. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Carmel was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Manuelita DeHerrera, grandchildren Amy LeBlanc, Martin Fajardo, Donovan Martinez and one sister Maxine Garcia.

Cremation was chosen, and a Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church in Center. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 1 at 10 a.m. also at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Workers Union Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Monte Vista.