Adán Franco Pando
01/03/1930 - 11/20/2024

Adán Franco Pando, también conocido como Nan o Don Adán, nació el 3 de enero de 1930 en Julimes, Chihuahua. Vivió una vida plena, alcanzando la edad de 94 años. Conocido por su personalidad extrovertida, Adán tenía el don de conectar con las personas. Le encantaba entablar conversaciones con extraños, contar chistes y interactuaba con niños pequeños haciéndolos sonreír al ver en ellos a sus nietos. Siempre estaba listo para ofrecer bendiciones a todos los que conocía, y dejó una huella imborrable en todos los que cruzaron su camino.
En 1965, Adán conoció y se casó con el amor de su vida, Elia Calvillo. Se establecieron en Chamberino, NM, donde construyeron su hogar y criaron a sus cinco hijos. Junto a su esposa, Elia, Adán fue el orgulloso fundador y propietario del restaurante Las Cazuelas Mexicanas, y anteriormente, fue propietario del restaurante Mi Pueblito en Las Cruces, NM, durante la década de 1990 hasta principios de los 2000. El viaje de Adán en los Estados Unidos comenzó en 1951 con el Programa Bracero. Trabajó para agricultores locales en el sur del condado de Doña Ana antes de mudarse a trabajar en Reward Co. (también conocida como Alpo), la cañería en Anthony, TX, y luego, en Leggs Hosiery en Mesilla Park, NM. Durante sus años de jubilación, Adán se dedicó a su familia, asistiendo a los servicios religiosos todos los domingos y siempre manteniéndose ocupado con diversos proyectos en su hogar, incluyendo sus jardines de vegetales y frutas.
Adán es precedido en la muerte por sus padres, José de la Cruz Franco y Betzabé Pando, y su amada hija, Beatriz Franco. Le sobreviven su esposa de más de 58 años, Elia Franco; sus hijas, Elia Esther Hernández, Verónica Franco, y Mayra Franco-Vásquez (Alberto); su único hijo, Adán Franco Jr. (Angie); sus doce nietos: Michelle (su abuelito la nombró con cariño, Candelaria), Karl Jr., Elia, Brianna, Karla Marissa, Diego, Oscar, Samantha, Maximiliano, Emeliz, Eliana y Emmanuel; su bisnieta, Mia Isabela; así como su hermano Raúl y su hermana Eva Luz. Muchos sobrinos, sobrinas, primos, primas y otros familiares que lo amaban y lo apreciaban profundamente.

Adan Franco Pando
01/03/1930-11/20/2024

Adan Franco Pando, also known as Nan or Don Adan, was born on January 3rd, 1930, in Julimes, Chihuahua. He lived a fulfilling life, reaching the age of 94. Known for his extroverted personality, Adan had a gift for connecting with people. He loved striking up conversations with strangers, sharing jokes, and interacting with children, always eager to make them smile as he saw his own grandchildren through their eyes. He was quick to offer blessings to everyone he met, Adan left an impact on all who crossed his path.

In 1965, Adan met and married the love of his life, Elia Calvillo. They settled in Chamberino, NM, where they built a home and raised their five children. Together with his wife, Elia, Adan was the proud founder and owner of Las Cazuelas Mexicanas restaurant, and previously, the owner of Mi Pueblito restaurant in Las Cruces, NM, from the 1990s to early 2000s. Adan's journey in the United States began in 1951 with the Bracero Program. He worked for local farmers in Southern Doña Ana County before moving on to work at Reward Co. (also known as Alpo), the canning factory in Anthony, TX, and later, at Leggs Hosiery in Mesilla Park, NM. Throughout his retirement years, Adan devoted himself to his family, attending church services every Sunday and always keeping busy with various projects around his home, including tending to his vegetable and fruit gardens.

Adan is preceded in death by his parents, Jose de la Cruz Franco and Betzabe Pando, and his beloved daughter, Beatriz Franco. He is survived by his wife of 58+ years, Elia Franco; his daughters, Elia Esther Hernandez, Verónica Franco, and Mayra Franco-Vasquez (Alberto); his son, Adan Franco Jr. (Angie); his twelve grandchildren: Michelle (lovingly named by her abuelito, Candelaria), Karl Jr., Elia, Brianna, Karla Marissa, Diego, Oscar, Samantha, Maximiliano, Emeliz, Eliana, and Emmanuel; and his great-granddaughter, Mia Isabela, as well as his brother Raul and his sister Eva Luz. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members who loved and cherished him dearly.

Visitation for Mr. Franco will begin at 6 PM Thursday, December 5, 2024, at San Luis Rey Catholic Church, 204 S. San Luis Avenue in Chamberino, with the Prayer Vigil at 7 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 PM Friday, December 6, 2024, in the same church with the Reverend Alonso Quinonez, Celebrant. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in the Chamberino Cemetery where he will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers will be Adan Franco Jr., Elia Esther Hernandez, Veronica Franco, Mayra Franco-Vasquez, Alberto Vasquez, and Angie Chavez. Honorary bearers are, Karl Melendez Jr., Maximiliano Hernandez, Oscar Franco, Niko Romero, and Oscar Cano.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com