Nick G. Calderon Jr.

Nick Gonzales Calderon Jr., age 71, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at 7:02 p.m. in Lubbock, Texas.

Nick was born on December 23, 1954, in Socorro, New Mexico, and was raised in Gallup, New Mexico, by his beloved grandmother, Ballerina Calderon. He graduated from Gallup High School in 1972 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 18, 1972. A proud Vietnam-era veteran, Nick served four years as a Fire Protection Specialist, with assignments at Bitburg Air Base in Germany and Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

On February 2, 1985, Nick married the former Cynthia Hernandez in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Together they shared a loving marriage and raised three children, building a life centered on family, faith, and service.

Nick retired from American National after thirty-two years of dedicated service, most recently as the Hobbs District Manager. He later served his community as a driver for B&G Transportation for seven and a half years.

A devout Catholic throughout his life, Nick was a faithful parishioner of St. Helena’s Catholic Church since 1996. He served generously as a Eucharistic minister, on the finance council, as a third-degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, a member of the parking lot ministry, and helped in any other capacity that was needed.

Nick found great joy in caring for his grandchildren, supporting his wife by driving her swim team to meets, traveling, attending concerts, sporting events, and enjoying the outdoors through hunting, fishing, and hiking. He also cherished time at home, working in the yard, watching the news and sports, and caring for his loyal companion, his dog, Belle.

Nick is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; his children, Kristine; Rebecca and her husband Zach Nash; and Nicholas and his wife Kate; his grandchildren, Mya and Ryker Nash; his siblings, Irene and Pat Vallejos, Frances and Pete Vigil, Josie Lopez, Lupe and Victor Aragon, Roman Calderon, Joseph and Ernestina Hernandez, Lonnie and Teri Hernandez, Patricia Gonzalez, JoJo and Melissa Hernandez; many nieces and nephews, and four God children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nickolas and Ruth Calderon; his grandmother, Ballerina Calderon; his brother-in-law Martin Lopez; niece Reighlyn Rosales, his uncle Frank Calderon, his in laws Joe and Josephine Hernandez, and nephew David Lovato.

Nick will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend—a man of deep faith whose life was defined by service, kindness, and love for others. A man who loved life and had stories of a lifetime to put a smile on your face.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Light of Lea County at lightofleacounty.org.