Serafin "Serf" Telles Jr.

1944 - 2018

"Serf" Telles was called to his heavenly home on May 30, 2018. Serafin Telles, Jr. aka "TOP", First Sergeant TAS, United States Special Forces Green Beret, was born March 1, 1944 in El Paso TX to Alicia Morales Telles and Serafin O. Telles; he was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. After retiring from the U.S. Army Serf settled in Ridgecrest CA to be close to his parents and raise his sons. Surviving family, Randall Scott Telles (Lana); Michael Telles Cloud (Roz); six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and ex-wife Joan. "Serf" was the oldest of five siblings and is survived by Ricardo (Rayna), Eddie; Mary Helen Llañez (Richard), and Virginia Valles (Robert); his very special friend Debbie Hartley; Uncle Filemon Tellez (Mary); Juanita Tellez, Ofelia M. Reyes, Maria Luisa Marquez, Marta M. Terrazas (Armando); Antonia Jester (Ray); many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his United States Army Green Beret Military brothers.
Always a leader, In his youth he excelled in school; being both an excellent student and the president of his sophomore and senior class as well as a star fullback on the Gadsden High School Panthers football team helping win two state championships. Serafin served 3 tours to Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was part of the "II Core Mike Force and elite "Force Multiplier Unit." He was awarded 4 Bronze Stars with the "V" Device along with several other citations. He remained true to his military family by being active with the Green Beret Chapter in Las Cruces and showing honor to Bataan March survivor, Uncle David O. Tellez.
Serf was an avid animal lover and had a special place in his heart for his white shepherds. They accompanied him everywhere he went in Ridgecrest and surrounding towns.
Bishop Emeritus Ricardo Ramirez will be the celebrant at 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Mass honoring First Sergeant Telles, at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, 324 Lincoln Street in Anthony, NM. First Sergeant Telles cremains will be inurned with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA at a date to be determined. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Lyons Mortuary of Ridgecrest CA.