Eugene Joseph “Buddy” Lobato, 90, of Westminster, Colo., (formerly of Chama, Colo.) passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, from natural causes.
Buddy was born on Sept. 1, 1932, to Enriqueta and Emilio Lobato Sr. in Chama. After graduating from Mercy High School in San Luis, Colo., in 1952, he managed and operated several beverage plants in Denver for over 20 years. In 1978, Buddy returned to his rural roots in Chama, where he raised hay, alfalfa, and ran his cow-calf operation for 30 years until retiring and moving to Westminster, Colo., in 2008.
In 1954, Buddy married Josephine ‘Josie’ Lucero at Sangre de Cristo Catholic church in San Luis. They were married 68 years. Buddy and Josie had 8 children.
Buddy was preceded in death by son Eugene Jr. and daughter Regina. Buddy Lobato is survived by wife, Josephine, and children: Rita (Paul) Crespin, Armand (Michelle), Rose (Leroy) Sandoval, Vernon (Sandy), Josephine, and Emilio (Lillian). He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Sangre de Christo Catholic church in San Luis, Colo., on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 11 am.
