It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that the family of CARLOS SOTO CASTAÑEDA, announces his passing on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 while surrounded by his loving family at La Posada Mesilla Valley Hospice. Carlos was born on February 20, 1968 and grew up in Mesilla. He was a true Mesillero and took great pride in that.

Carlos had a passion for music and he displayed this love as a radio DJ for over 20 years. He served his local community, the great State of New Mexico, and his country proudly in the U.S. Navy. Carlos was on the Board of Directors for the International Mariachi Conference for many years, served the Town of Mesilla loyally first as Mayor Pro-Tem, then on the Board of Trustees. Carlos served the State of NM in many capacities, including working in the Office of the Governor as a Constituent Services Representative, a Public Information Officer for the Department of Labor, and as a Border Security Liaison for the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He also enjoyed his work as a Lobbyist at the State of New Mexico Legislature. Throughout his public service career, Carlos never met a stranger.
There is no denying the impact he made on you. His charisma would sweep you off your feet. Carlos always knew how to make you feel important and special. His keen eye for fashion, his quest for knowledge, his use of language and communication, and his desire to impress you, always left an impression. Whether you were blood kin, Mesillero family, friend, coworker, a military veteran, a politician, he worked tirelessly to earn their trust and confidence in him. Carlos has countless friends and people all over the country who love him and will miss him dearly.
He is survived by his mother, Augustina Soto Castañeda;, brothers, Jerry Castañeda, George Castañeda, and Sergio Castañeda; sister, Teresa Colson (Josh); his four loving children; USAF Staff Sergeant Karl Castañeda, Gianna Mari Castañeda, Trè Luciano Castañeda, and Catya Ani Castañeda, and one grandchild, Cristiano Carlos Castañeda. Other surviving family members include his partner, Camelia Herrera, nephews, Daniel and Nick Castañeda, Javery Stevens, and Eli Colson, and great-nephew, Moses Castañeda; nieces, Amy, Natalee, Natasha, Chelsea, and Sophia Castañeda, Bianca Colson, and great-niece, Marisol Zapata.. Carlos leaves behind many extended family members and many many friends. He will also be dearly missed by his furry friends, Coco and Charlie. Carlos was preceded in death by his father Lucio Navarro Castañeda and sister in-law LouEllen Castañeda
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 PM Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Friday, August 24, 2018 in the Basilica of San Albino, 2070 Calle de Santiago in Mesilla.
A celebration of Carlos' life will follow at the Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago.
Serving as casket bearers will be Daniel, Karl, Nick, and Trè Castañeda, David Lucero, and Jesse Bustamante. Honorary bearers will be will Josh Colson and Javery Stevens.

Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care". For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com

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Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Aug. 22, 2018.