Jose Orlando Gallegos

Jose Orlando Gallegos

Lincoln - Jose Orlando Gallegos, 89, of Lincoln, New Mexico, passed away on May 9th, 2021.

Joe was the last native son of Lincoln, NM. He was born to Miguel and Eulalia Gallegos on March 19, 1932. He was a Ruidoso High School graduate. Joe married Frances Miranda on November 28, 1958; they would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year. Joe began his firefighting career at NASA, Johnson White Sands Test Facility in 1964 and continued his career in firefighting with the Las Cruces Fire Department in 1973, until his retirement in 1992. He served in many capacities such as Firefighter, Chief Inspector, Instructor and Local, State and National Arson Investigator. He was a proud graduate of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburgh, Maryland. Until June 2013, Joe also served with the Volunteer Fire Department in Lincoln, New Mexico as the Fire Department Training Officer. Not quite done working yet, Joe became a Park Ranger with the State of NM until age 81. He educated the public by sharing many historical facts and personal experiences of his time growing up in Lincoln. Joe was a strong, brave and courageous man. In 1976 he was awarded New Mexico Fireman of the Year for his heroic lifesaving actions when he pulled an injured trainee from a burning building, saving his life. In addition to his professional service, Joe spent countless hours volunteering in such activities as youth baseball coach, Provedencia Acequia Commissioner and with the annual Billy the Kid Pageant in Lincoln. His greatest pride was in his family and his service to his community.

Joe is preceded in death by his oldest son Orlando Gallegos and both of his parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances, his daughter Nancy Gallegos De Veny, sons Bernardo Gallegos and Gabriel Gallegos (Joselyn), sister Ramona Vogt (Buddy), brother Robert Gomez (Rita). His grandchildren Lucas Serna (Anita), Andres Serna, Bernardo Gallegos, Adrian Gallegos, David Gallegos, Nicolas Marquez and granddaughter Cristina Gallegos. Joe is also survived by his four great grandchildren, Abigail, Reuben, Joseph and Sarah Serna. All his grand and great-grandchildren brought him much joy and always brought a smile to his face. He had many cousins, nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. Additionally, Joe dearly loved the mother of two of his grandsons, Gloria Gallegos and his dear friend Bennie Long.

A service is scheduled for 10 AM, May 24, 2021 at the San Juan Catholic Church in Lincoln. Burial will follow at the Old Lincoln Cemetery.

Fireman's Prayer:

"When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be it's age. Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fulfill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I have to lose my life, kiss with your protecting hand, my loving family from strife."