Benjamin Serna

Benjamin L. Serna, 93, of Las Cruces, our beloved brother & uncle went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 28, 2011. At the time of passing he was residing at the New Mexico Veterans Hospital in T or C, New Mexico. Tarzan as he was fondly known by his brother Ramon was born Oct. 17, 1917 in Picacho, NM to Cesario and Constancia Lucero Serna. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp where he served our country honorably during WW II in the Battle of Midway and Iwo Jima. Ben had been a Las Cruces City Policeman before moving to California where he also served many years of faithful service for the Chrysler Corp. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, carpentry and family gatherings. Even though he and his beloved wife, Angie, were not blessed with children, he loved them all and all his nieces and nephews loved him. Ben, who stood 6' 7", had a heart as big as his stature. He is survived by his three brothers for whom he was a roll model; Manuel L. Serna, Ramon L. Serna and Jimmie L. Serna all of Las Cruces and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Serna was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Angelina Lopez.

A prayer vigil will be at 9 AM at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church on Saturday April 2, 2011 where his funeral mass will follow also at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church with the Augustinian Recollects officiating. Rite of Committal will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military honors. The honor of being a pallbearer goes to his family Arturo Serna, George Rodriguez, Daniel Chasse, Joseph Villegas, John Ayers and Elias Lopez. Honorary Pallbearers are Walter Maya, Ian Villegas, Art Serna Jr., Ricardo Torres, David Rodriguez, and all the nieces and nephews from the Lopez family. Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. To sign the local online guest book go to www.GetzCares.com