Luis Llanez

Luis "Louie" Roberto Llanez, a lifelong resident of "El Bosque" in Anthony, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 12, 2015, after battling cancer. Louie, as he was fondly known to family and friends, was a Class of 1958 graduate of Gadsden High School and attended two years of college at NMSU. Louie was an active member of the Class of 1958 Alumni and hosted gatherings on his homestead, where good times and memories were shared by all present. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Louie and Sookie owned and operated Louie Llanez Hardware in Anthony for 45 years and also retired from ASARCO after 33 years, where he proudly claimed being known as employee #81. Louie was a man of many talents who never forgot his roots. In his younger years he was seen riding his horse through town and later his Harley. Louie was an avid car collector and enjoyed attending car shows and auctions. Louie and Sookie enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV throughout the states. In his final years, Louie dedicated his time to tilling the land on his farm and lending a helping hand to his "little" brother, Richard, his nephews, godchildren and friends.
Louie is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Socorro "Sookie" M. Llanez; a son, Oscar Llanez (Mary Ann); two brothers, J. Pedro Llanez (Argelia) and F. Richard Llanez (Mary Helen), all of Anthony; two sisters, Irene L. Sims, also of Anthony, and Irma L. Valdespino of Las Cruces; as well as other family members, nieces, nephews and godchildren. Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Corina P. Llanez, and a brother-in-law, Emilio Valdespino II.
Visitation for Mr. Llanez will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2015, in St. Anthony Catholic Church, 224 Lincoln St., in Anthony where the prayer vigil is scheduled for 10 a.m. The Holy Mass of Resurrection will follow immediately thereafter with the fathers of the Augustinian Recollects officiating. Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date.
It is only fitting that his classmates will be his casket bearers, Jaime Sanchez, Raul B. Tellez, Mundo Aldaz, Jesus "Buzz" Mora, Arturo Reyes, and Flavio "Bobby" Fresquez. Honorary bearers will be Tony Rios, Tommy Matkin, Ruben Alaniz, and Reynaldo "Sonny" Rivera. The Llanez family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road Las Cruces 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care". For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.