Robert John Seeds

Robert John Seeds, 72, a lifelong resident of Española, New Mexico, passed away on December 13, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Robert was born and raised in the Española Valley and dedicated his life to serving his community. After graduating high school, he worked alongside his father in the family body shop. He went on to successfully own and operate Robert’s Towing Service for 53 years, as well as an outfitting business. He proudly served as a Deputy with the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Department and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, the Shriners, Safari Club Int, the Mule Deer and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He later continued his commitment to public service for more than 20 years as a City Councilman, where he was widely respected for his integrity, strong work ethic, and dedication to the people of the Española Valley, with a strong focus on providing and supporting recreational programs in the Valley while emphasizing the importance of public safety.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Robert was well known throughout the state for his passion for the outdoors. He holds the New Mexico state record for mountain lion and black bear, along with several other hunting records—accomplishments that reflected both his skill and deep respect for nature. He also enjoyed trips to the casino, golfing, and cherished spending Sunday Funday with family and friends. Along the way, he met numerous people and made lifelong friendships.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Fred D. Seeds; his mother-in-law, Gertrude Marker; and his brothers-in-law, David C. Garcia and Bobby E. Binion.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Anne Seeds; his wife and partner of 35 years, Laura Seeds; his children, Leslie Maly, Robert L. Seeds, and Angelica C. Seeds; his cherished grandchildren, Mia, Max, and Carter Rae; and his siblings, Rita Seeds-Garcia, Freddie Seeds, Barbara Bachechi (Mark) and Kathy Vandervossen (Anthony); sisters-in-law.Johanna Terrazas (Randy), Elizabeth Marker Melton (Vince) and Frances Madrid. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

With special appreciation to Frances Madrid, his nurse and sister-in-law, Godson Matt Caster, Goddaughter Hailey Chacon, David Chavez, Floyd Archuleta, Van Johnson, Kurt Anderson, Miada and Evila Trujillo, Homer Stevens, Sennie Quintana, Alice Lucero, Emma Rose Montoya, Tom Preacher Ballard Laura Ulibarri and Father Javier Gutierrez.

Services for Robert will commence with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory in Espanola, NM. 

Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Procession and burial will follow at Santa Cruz Cemetery in Española, NM.

Serving as Pallbearers: Joseph Madrid, Robert L. Seeds, Merl Elote, Bryan Vandervossen, Janice Madrid, Jamie Madrid, Joseph W. Madrid, and Daniel R. War.

Honorary Pallbearers: Carter Rae War, Nyah Caes, Joseph W. Madrid Jr., Max Maly, Jaydn Martinez, Mia Maly, Anthony Vandervossen, Juls Locke, Gustavo Acuna-Castanon, and Jimmy Apodaca.

The family of Robert John Seeds has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.