Johnny Espinosa

JOHNNY, 62, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Johnny’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. SERVICES: A Viewing will commence at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home, 2609 S. Main, Roswell, New Mexico, on Thursday, October 3, 2019, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a recital of the Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 506 S. Lincoln Street, Roswell, New Mexico, on Friday, October 4, 2019, 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at General Douglas L. McBride Veterans Cemetery located at South Park Cemetery. A reception will follow the services at the Roswell Adult Center, 807 N. Missouri Ave., Roswell, NM. On April 12, 1957, Johnny was born in Roswell, New Mexico, to Isabel G. Juarez (Chavela) and Frank B. Espinosa in Roswell. He grew up in Roswell attending local schools and graduating from Roswell High School in 1975. Johnny went on to enlist in the US Army, becoming a member of the 82nd Airborne Unit. He was then attached to the 5th Special Forces Group as a Medical Specialist at Fort Ord, CA. Upon completing his honorable service, Johnny returned to Roswell, NM. Johnny worked at several jobs throughout his life. He was employed by Hinkle Farms Winery, the Security Department for the Roswell Museum, as well as for the late Judge Alvin Jones as an assistant for the Casa Program. He became a member of the Big Brother, Big Sister Program and was also an advocate for the prisoners at the Chavez County Detention Center, providing support and spiritual counseling for the inmates. He also worked for MJG Corporation and lastly for OMNI Corporation at FLETC. Johnny was an avid book reader who liked collecting books on art, cooking, and history. He loved spending time with his friends, Mac and Apple, fishing, and attending Taco Tuesday, and listening to his friend, Chris play with the Pacers. Johnny loved to sing, and on occasion, he could be found at Billy Ray’s singing Karaoke. He loved to cook and had a funny side. He loved to crack jokes to make others laugh and smile. Johnny had a deep love for the history of Lincoln, NM, touring the town and reciting the history. SURVIVORS: Those left to cherish memories of Johnny are his brothers: Patricio Espinoza and wife Rachel; Roy Espinosa and wife Gracie; sisters: Beatrice Espinosa and partner David; Oralia (Connie) Espinosa. He had several nephews and nieces with whom he was very close to and spent precious time with him from their young lives through the years: “We love you, uncle John.” He is also survived by our stepfamily, with whom he was also extremely close and loved very much: Stepbrother: Art De La Cruz of Las Cruces NM, Stepsisters: Maria Taylor of Moreno Valley, CA, Cecilia Castrillo of Roswell NM, and Rose Ann Trujillo of Lake Forest, CA; He is also survived by his partner, Carla Cobb of Roswell NM, and Godchildren: Gabriella, and Ryne Kermode. PRECEDED: Johnny was preceded in death by his mother, Isabel G. Juarez; father, Frank B. Espinosa, stepmother, Amada Espinosa, (Emma De La Cruz), maternal-grandmother, Casimira G. Gamboa; grandfather, Patricio Gamboa; sisters: Georgia Archuleta, Rollina Alice Juarez Losolla, Juanita Espinosa; brother, Manuel Griego; and nieces: Ruth Ann Juarez (Tootie), and Vivian Irene Juarez. HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Chosen to serve as Honorary Pallbearers are Christian Perez, Raven Night Martinez, Mycah Cortez, Frankie Ray Espinosa, Conrad Espinosa, Ted, Joel, Matthew, and James Romero, Ernest Espinosa, Amari Izquierdo, Regina Bennett, Mac McFerraz, David “Apple” Thomas, Chris Armijo, and Anita Kermode Lidy. PALLBEARERS: Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Isaac Romero, Patricio B. Espinoza, Fernando Correon, Adolph Castrillo, Mark K. Lawrence, and Jay Gluck. Johnny’s family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this time of loss.

Johnny Espinosa

April 12, 1957 - September 19, 2019