Luther Pareo

Luther R. Pareo, 83, A long-time resident of Roswell, Passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on the morning of December 17, 2023, after a lengthy illness. His loving wife, Betty, son Calvin, other family members, and chihuahua, Pepper, were at his side. Luther was born on January 18, 1940, in Pajarito, New Mexico, to Charles Pareo and Cora W. Powell, who also gave Luther five brothers and sisters. The remainder of his life was devoted to family and the many friends he made along the way. Luther found his calling early in his life. He left school to follow his father into the Construction business. Throughout his life, he worked in various construction areas, including building, carpentry, roofing, and landscaping, leading to him founding his own construction business in Roswell. When he retired, he maintained a connection to construction as a master carpenter, taking on such demanding efforts as custom cabinetry and intricate finish work. At 19, Luther enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959, serving with the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division, where he attained the rank of Specialist Four as a Light Weapons Infantryman. Luther was a skilled Marksman, representing his division in Army Marksmanship meets. Leaving the Army in 1962, Luther returned to New Mexico to take up the Construction business again. Upon returning, Luther married Marcey Hustad and soon welcomed sons Tommy Joe and Calvin. Luther was a man of many hobbies, a true “Renaissance Man.” He loved gardening. As Master Gardener, his entries took many 1st place Ribbons at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair. He also was an avid member of the Roswell Farmers Market. Many Roswell citizens and visitors sampled his fruits and vegetables. He was also passionate about collecting, especially antique farm equipment and carpentry tools. We would be remiss if we did not mention Luther’s biding love of country music and his favorite musician Hank Williams. Luther is preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Cora; son, Tommy; and brother, Lee. Luther is survived by his wife, Betty Jane Copeland, of the home; brother, Jordan; sisters: Cora, Dotsy, and Maxine; son, Calvin; grandchildren: Dylan, Cutter, Iyesha, Luann, Lindsey, and Luke; great-grandchildren: Colt, Kamie, Emie, and Layla Rose. Instead of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to the charity of your choice in Honor of Luther Pareo. Anderson Bethany Funeral Home & Crematory will oversee services. A short Military Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11 AM, followed by internment at General Douglas L. McBride Veteran’s Cemetery located in South Park Cemetery. A Memorial Luncheon will be held from 12 PM to 4 PM at the Encanto Event Center, 1010 South Main, Roswell. Please Take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Luther’s family at www.andersonbethany.com Luther Pareo’s Tribute was written in his honor by a treasured friend. “Back in the day, an especially exemplary man -- a man who was honest, kind, wise, lovable, dependable, courageous, compassionate, and hard-working -- was described as being "all wool and a yard wide." Luther Pareo was "all wool and a yard wide," and I am so grateful and so blessed to have known him. It was Luther's skill at gardening that introduced us 20 years ago. Figs are my favorite fruit, and those Luther grew were fat, juicy, flavorful, and delicious. I first bought Pareo figs at Luther's and Betty's Cole Avenue mini farm in response to their newspaper ad. Then, when my sister and I discovered Luther's booth at the Roswell Growers' Market, our friendship quickly began. Not only could we buy figs, tomatoes, peaches, and Betty's wonderful jams and jellies, but also, we could spend a few precious minutes talking and laughing with one of the most interesting and delightful men we had ever met. Luther was just plain funny, and he always made me laugh -- and always left me with something substantial and interesting to think about. Truly a man who "never met a stranger," Luther knew and loved his market co-workers and his customers, and he was loved and valued in return. When the market ended its summer season, Luther occasionally called me to see how my sister and I were doing and to report news of his garden, his beloved Betty, his idolized little Chihuahua, the current political situation, the weather, some colorful story from his past, or something of interest he had read in the paper. He kept me posted on the state of his garden, and he always let me know when his Christmas lights were up. "Now you be sure you drive by and see 'em!" he always said. and each December when I did, I was freshly amazed by the beauty of the colored lights that lit up his garden in much the way Luther lit up my life and the lives of every person he met. He will be greatly missed -- and fondly remembered.” Ann Applegarth December 2023

Luther Pareo

January 18, 1940 - December 17, 2023