Jake Gabriel Lucero

It pains me to admit it, but I apparently have passed away ... Whether through his smile or vibrant sense of humor, Jake always wanted to put other's needs before his own family and friends. Mr. Lucero moved to Las Vegas 25 years ago, where he attended New Mexico Highlands University and received his bachelor's and master's degrees in social work.

He worked for the San Miguel County NM Health Department for more than 20 years. On Saturday, March 11, 2017, Jake Lucero went to the arms of our Lord with peace and grace with his beloved family at his side.

He is predeceased by his loving, beautiful wife, Mary Lou Lucero, who passed away in 2011; and also his parents, father, Charles Lucero and mother, Julia Urioste Lucero.

He is survived by his best friend and loving son, Jake Lucero Jr. (Kiki), and his wife, Bernadette, of Los Lunas. He is also survived by his two wonderful, beautiful daughters, Tammy Lucero Couch, husband, John Couch, of Albuquerque NM., and his baby girl, Donna Lucero, of Las Vegas. Jake and his wife Mary Lou also raised Jake's youngest brother, Henry, and youngest sister, Sadie, as their son and daughter. Surviving are Jake's brothers, Benny Lucero and wife, Beatrice, Jimmy Lucero and wife, Mary, all of Albuquerque, and Henry Lucero and wife, Elvia, of Portales; sisters, Margaret Urioste, Frances Gonzales and husband, John, Betty Salaz and husband, Gino, all of Portales, and Sadie Lou Lucero and partner, Bobbie Mosly, of Hobbs. This also includes his larger families, the Urioste family, the Montoya family, the Lopez family of Portales, the Gallegos family of Albuquerque, and Archuleta family of Las Vegas,. He leaves nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Jake will always be remembered by his family as a loving father and grandfather whose greatest passion was helping others and caring for his family.

Viewing for family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (Wednesday) and will continue Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of memorial service. The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Rogers Mortuary Chapel.

"Jake's final words were ... If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments."

Visit Rogers Mortuary's website at www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign their online register book.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary; 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas; 1-800-479-3511 or 425-3511.