Carlos Vasquez

1952 - 2016

Carlos Vasquez was born at Fort Morgan Hospital in 1952 to Maria and Manuel Vasquez, their first child. He died in Fresno, California on June 1, 2016. He was a third generation American. His paternal grandparents were Estanislao Vasquez and Catarina Alvarado Vasquez who were from Texas. His maternal grandparents were Sarah Ramirez Gonzalez and Roman Gonzalez. Carlos served in the United States army two times. During his first tour of duty he was just 16 years old. He was in Vietnam from 1969-1973. He was on the front lines of battle in the jungles of Vietnam for the full four years. His second time in the army was 1979-1980. He is survived by his widow, Patricia Araujo Vasquez, from Fresno California, and his parents, Maria and Manuel Vasquez, of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Also, five sisters, four from Colorado, one from Texas; Rebecca Guzman of Longmont, Gloria Araujo of Fort Morgan, Vanessa Burghardt of Erie, Raquel Carreon of Fort Morgan, and Celia Smith of Little Elm, Texas. His children are; Vincent Vasquez, of Fresno, California. Amy Woodruff of Fontana, California, Angela Vasquez of Greeley, Colorado, Sarah Vasquez of Oklahoma, JD Vasquez of Arkansas, Monique Vasquez of Oklahoma, and Sandy Vasquez of Oklahoma. He also had many aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides. His paternal and maternal uncles and aunts are all still living. Carlos was a true friend to many people. At the times when he did not have much, he would still give you the shirt off of his back if you asked. He was never in a bad mood, he always had a smile on his face, and he was chivalrous and very polite. Simply put, he was good-hearted. Around his parents he was always a doting son. He was very lucky too! (He came home from Vietnam alive). He was a veteran! Thank you Carlos for protecting America! Part of his illness was the lasting effects of Agent Orange from Vietnam. He was married, at different times throughout his life, in chronological order to; Patricia Araujo, of Wiggins, Colorado, Mary Cabrera, of Brush, Colorado, Vera Franco, of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Lisa Herrera, of Greeley, Colorado, Yvette, of Brush, Colorado, and Patricia Araujo (2nd time). Carlos was cremated on June 7th in Fresno, California. There will be a memorial service at his parent's home in Fort Morgan at 18065 Morgan County Road 17.6, on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 2 p.m. This includes a military memorial service by the Color Guard and a presentation of the American flag to his parents by the Veterans of Foreign War (V.F.W.), a potluck will follow along with fellowship for the family. Everyone is welcomed to attend, please bring a dish to share for the potluck.