Eli C. Diaz

   It is with great sorrow that we announce that our Pastor/Evangelist, dear husband, loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Eli C. Diaz, 53 of Lighthouse Apostolic Family Life Center of Las Cruces was called to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus on Saturday, October 2, 2021.

At the age of 14, Pastor Eli was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of his sins and received the gift of the Holy Spirit.  From then on nothing could keep Pastor Eli from God’s calling in his life; not fear, not finances, or not having transportation but by FAITH Pastor Eli would follow where ever God would lead him to all the days of his life. Pastor Eli’s relationship with the Lord was what defined him as a person.

As a youth living in Illinois, without fear but having faith knowing God would have a hand over him, Pastor Eli would preach the gospel on the corners of the streets surrounded by gang members. Pastor Eli was always seeking to rescue them from any harm that could come their way.  He earned the respect from different gang affiliations and became known as the gang preacher within those neighborhoods and was lovingly given the street-name “Sly.” Pastor Eli assisted his church in creating an outreach ministry for those people who wished to leave and repair their lives.

Pastor Eli traveled throughout the United States and internationally preaching the word of God and prayed for those who needed deliverance, healing or salvation.  No matter the time of day or night or location, Pastor Eli never turned anyone away who was seeking for help or prayer. Pastor Eli dedicated his life in service and he believed his purpose in life was to place as many people as he could on the path to salvation.  Pastor Eli used as many media outlets as possible to reach as many people as he could.  He conducted his ministry through television, radio, social media, through many outreach parks and tent revivals.  His ministry did not stop there, he provided individual counseling and served as a pastor of his own church for the past 8 years.  He was a humble man who faithfully served his Lord.

 Pastor Eli is survived by his loving wife, Angelica Diaz.  The couple have three sons, Jodiah, Isai, and Jeramiah, whom he adored with all his heart. Pastor Eli was a very proud of his family and rejoiced in knowing they served the Lord as he did. Pastor Eli left this world knowing his family has a strong foundation in God. Pastor Eli left this world knowing his legacy would continue through his family, his church family and all those who loved him dearly.

He is also survived by his mother, Beatrice Marquez of Las Cruces, NM; Siblings: Elias Diaz (Denise), Joe Marquez (Vonda) of Amarillo, Texas, Angelica Reyes (Armando) of Conroe, Texas, Eddie Marquez (Eduina), JoAnn Garay (Paul), and Jerardo Marquez (Debra) all of Las Cruces, New Mexico and many nephew and nieces.

He is proceeded in death by:  Maria Cortez, Pablo Cortez, Jose Hermilo Marquez and Santos Castro Diaz

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7

Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 14th, 2021 at Lighthouse Apostolic Family Life Center, 5615 S. Main St., Mesilla Park, NM. Burial to follow immediately at Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Road.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com