Theodore Frank Lovato

Theodore Frank Lovato, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 17, 1940, in Clayton, New Mexico, and grew up on a ranch in nearby Clapham, where he attended a country school and learned the values of hard work, family, and perseverance that would guide his life. He graduated from Clayton High School, where his deep sense of responsibility and commitment to those he loved first began to shine.

After graduation, Theodore proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He entered the Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in May 1968, proudly serving for six and a half years. During his service, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed overseas in Korea and Germany during a time of global conflict that included the closing days of the Korean War and the early years of the Vietnam era. His dedication to service and country was a lifelong source of pride.

Following his military service, Theodore spent four years as a printer with a newspaper in Amarillo, Texas, before moving to Albuquerque, where he continued his printing career with the Albuquerque Journal. There, he dedicated 34 years to his craft, earning the respect of his colleagues and community through his strong work ethic, reliability, and quiet dedication.

Theodore found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved camping, fishing, gardening, and the occasional trip to the casino. A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his team. He also enjoyed a good shot of whiskey and the warmth of good company. Above all, Theodore’s greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was being a loving and devoted father and a steadfast husband to his beloved wife, Sarah. Together, they shared over 60 years of marriage, built on love, strength, and unwavering commitment. He was also an amazing grandfather who loved and cherished his grandchildren deeply, taking immense pride in watching them grow.

Theodore is survived by his wife, Sarah Lovato; daughters Karla Lovato and Monica Lovato; grandchildren Daniel Garcia, Olivia Garcia, and Alegra Elliott; sister Olivia Lovato; and brother Toby Lovato. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 833 Arizona SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. A viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow at Post 99 in Albuquerque at 4:00 p.m., where family and friends are invited to share memories and celebrate his life.

Theodore’s legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.