Daniel J. Pacheco, 63

ALAMOSA — Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come (Isaiah 57:1 NLT). Danny – or Dan as he was known to his friends and family – was unexpectedly called from service in this world to service into the Kingdom May 6, 2019. Dan was born in Monte Vista, Jan. 6, 1956 with good works prepared in advance for him to do. He was a 1975 graduate of Mountain Valley High School in Saguache. After faithfully serving the Town of Saguache for 24 years, he retired in 2018. Prior to retirement, April 23, 2017, he stepped into his true calling, serving as Pastor of College Heights Baptist Church in Alamosa – a role he truly embraced and loved abundantly above and beyond measure. He felt most fulfilled shepherding the church and preaching Christ crucified, ministering to the forgotten or overlooked ones, and being grateful for the anointing power of the Holy Spirit. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Heidi; his sons Michael Pacheco and Michael’s fiancé Audrey McDowell, Crestone; Bruce (Danielle) Piatt, Midland, Texas; Monique (Bryon) Hunter, Thornton; Brooke (Warren) Gallegos, Monte Vista; siblings Helen Beltran, Santa Rosa, N.M.; Ruth (Ernie) Quintana, Salida; Virginia Love, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Elizabeth (Steven) Everist, Temple, Texas; Janice (Billy) Culp, Camden, Mo.; sister-in-law Donna Pacheco, Granbury, Texas; mother-in-law Mari Lou Wyatt, Universal, Ind.; five grandsons, two granddaughters and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Ben and Beatrice Pacheco; nephew Daniel Montoya; sister Vicki Briggs; brother Robert “Bobby” Pacheco; brother Al Pacheco; brother Tony Medina; brother-in-law Richard Love; and grandson Aaden Gallegos. Pastor Dan was always reminding us “It isn’t over till God says it’s over,” and “Be strong to the finish, keep the faith.” (2Timothy 4:7) Well done, good and faithful servant. Pastor and author Rick Warren wrote, “I do not have to know why everything happens since I know God is good, He loves me, and life on earth is not the whole story.” Those who love Dan will continue to praise God in this dark hour, not knowing or understanding why. We will trust Him and His goodness knowing that this isn’t where the story ends. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held June 1 at College Heights Baptist Church in Alamosa at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the College Height Baptist Church in Alamosa.