Felix Gamboa Provencio

Felix Provencio Obituary

Felix Gamboa Provencio

Whittier, CA - Felix Gamboa Provencio, age 95, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Felix was born in Mesilla, New Mexico to Juan Provencio and Petronila Gamboa. Felix was preceded in death by his only child, Eleanor Provencio Muñoz.

Mr. Provencio is survived by his grandchildren, Elaine Sainz, Diane Muñoz-Thomas, Gabriel Muñoz, Theodore Muñoz and John Muñoz, six great-grandchildren, Nichole Muñoz, Jacqueline Scarano, Desiree Layugan, Claudia Muñoz, Gabriel Thomas and Erin Muñoz and four great-great grandchildren, Zayn, Jacob, Zachary and Luke.

Felix is a veteran of World War II, where he earned several medals, including two Purple Hearts, and a Cluster. After returning from the war, he lived with his wife and baby daughter in Los Angeles, where he lived until shortly after his retirement. He worked in the printing business for over thirty years. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed painting, especially nature scenes. After his retirement, he returned to his beloved New Mexico, built a house in Las Cruces on land with a view of the Organ Mountains and where he grew pecan trees. After falling ill a few years ago, he returned to California to be near his grandchildren.

Felix went overseas in 1943 at the age of 18, serving in the Army for 23 months. During World War II, he was on the front line for 17 months with the 29th Infantry Division, 166th regiment. Although the 116th regiment assaulted Omaha Beach in Normandy, he did not take part in the assault, but he was there to replace other individuals who lost their lives or were injured during the initial assault.

After being wounded in France, Felix was sent to England to recuperate. Unable to walk, he remained in the hospital for five weeks. When he was able to leave the hospital, he was sent back to his outfit but was wounded again in Germany. He returned to the hospital in England. Shortly after his return to the hospital, the war ended.

Felix took a trip with his granddaughter Elaine in 2008 to visit the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. as part of the Honor Flight for World War II Veterans.

Services have not yet been scheduled. They will held at Rose Hills Memorial Cemetery in Whittier, California.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Cruces Sun News from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Felix Provencio

Sponsored by LCsun-news.com.

5 Entries

Angie Aviles

February 10, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Elaine Sending prayers to you and your family!! May your grandpa RIParadise!!

G.D.Fountain

February 9, 2021

Mr. Felix Gamboa Provencio was a man of heroic stature & deeds,
He laid his life on the “line” with a show of courage of which U rarely read!
He faced many battles in World War II,
And never wavered from his duty to
see his missions through.
Tho many didn’t answer the “call”
to “fight for liberty”,
Mr. Provencio did his part & that of others - to keep this country free!
“SEMPER FI’”

Virginia Carreon

February 9, 2021

Our condolences to the Provencio family. Mr. Felix was a very good friend of my dad, Angel Carreon. I have very fond memories of them when they would all get together and plan the annual "Mesillero Reunion" back in the early/mid 90s. There was never a dull moment when they would all get together. And Mr. Felix was always the life of that party. I also remember seeing him at our annual Veterans Day Parade. Rest in peace Mesillero

Robert Carreon

February 8, 2021

Felix was a good friend of my dads, my fathers name was Ray Carreon, also know as Guerro. He was also raised in Mesilla and was a couple of years older than your grandfather. When Felix moved back to Cruces, I remember him coming around our plumbing shop and visiting with my dad. I would listen to there stories, and was a witness to the greatest generation! they were awesome men! they are resting that well deserved rest!!

Jeanette

February 7, 2021

Felix was our next door neighbor for many years in Las Cruces, NM. I was sad that he had to move back to CA, years ago. I am glad, however, that it was to be closer to family. My husband and I still have Felix In our conversations. I have many fond memories of Felix and my stepping over the bent chain-link fence (he hit it with his tractor, if I recall!) to go visit, watch his dog, Tootsie, in his absence, or bring him some breakfast when he was working hard in his yard. God bless you, Felix! You are still our neighbor, in our hearts. Never forgotten, my friend. -Jeanette and John

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results