ALFREDO "TELLO" VILLESCAS, 92, was called by our Heavenly Father to his eternal home on March 27, 2025. He was born on January 7, 1933, and raised in Canutillo, TX. He graduated from Cathedral High School in El Paso, TX in 1951.  He met the love of his life Dolores "Lolita" Acosta when they were both part of a Quinceañera party of a mutual family friend. Tello and Lolita married in 1954 and started their family in Anthony, NM, where they lived for 68 years before moving to Las Cruces, NM.

He studied Industrial Engineering at New Mexico State University. Before graduating, he worked at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) while taking classes to earn his bachelor's degree in 1973. He then continued his educational pursuit at NMSU to earn his master's degree in 1975. He continued working at WSMR and was actively involved in the development of innovative instrumentation for the US Army. After 37 years of civil service, he retired as a Manager of Systems Engineering projects in 1990.

Tello was a brilliant man who gave so much to his family, church, community and career. He was caring and supportive and inspired his children and those around him to achieve great things. He was deeply engaged in the Anthony and southern NM communities. He served on the Board of Directors at Memorial General Hospital (now Memorial Medical Center) in Las Cruces from 1972 to 1980 where he assisted in a major expansion project that added additional floors to the hospital. He was also a founding director of the Los Amigos Federal Credit Union in Anthony and served as a board member for over 15 years.

He fully supported his children in all their endeavors, whether it was building and restoring cars or playing sports. He learned to water ski, snow ski, and play volleyball with his children. He was a softball and tennis player, and a competitive bowler. He was part of the committee to associate southern NM with the Bobby Socks and American Softball Association (ASA) group in 1979 in support of local girls in sports – providing activities, growth opportunities, and fellowship for female athletes in the area in their formative years. He also served as the head coach for the Anthony Amigos/Desert Willow softball team from 1979 – 1984.

His unwavering devotion to the Catholic Church was a testament to his profound faith and spiritual commitment. As a dedicated member of the Holy Name Society of St. Anthony's Church since 1963, Tello held various office positions, always serving with grace and humility. Tello provided guidance and support to 20 Godchildren in the Catholic faith. With his beloved wife, Lolita, they embarked on numerous pilgrimages to holy sites in the United States and around the world. These sacred journeys not only deepened their faith but also forged enduring friendships with fellow pilgrims, reflecting on Tello's ability to inspire and connect with others on a spiritual level.

Tello is preceded in death by his parents, Raymundo, and Guadalupe Salas Villescas; his loving stepmother, Antonia Montanez; infant baby brother, Ernesto, and Raymundo R. Villescas; sister, Blanca Miranda: and grandson, Julian Alexander Watson.

He is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving spouse of 71 years Dolores Acosta Villescas; his children, Irma Dolores Hyde (Ron), Johnny Ray (Michele), Alfredo "Freddy" David (Jacki), Monica Trevathan (Joseph); a sister, Gloria Hernandez; his grandchildren, who called him "Popo," Victor Steven De La Peña, Lauren Carina Watson, Dylan Matthew Ray Villescas, Ian Drew Villescas, Alfredo Joaquin Villescas, Abel Gilbert Barela (April), James "Taylor" Norvell (Ashley); great-grandchildren Joshua Isaiah De La Peña, Jordyn Alexander De La Peña, Nathan Barela, Ashton Norvell, Mia Barela, Ava Norvell; and great-great-grandson, Kaiden Barela.

Deeply rooted in faith, his beloved family seeks your prayers as we send Alfredo to his heavenly home.

Services for Alfredo will take place the evening of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with visitation at 6 PM at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road, followed by the sacred Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 PM. The Funeral Mass, a celebration of his life and devotion, will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 224 Lincoln Street in Anthony.  Burial will follow at The Anthony Community Cemetery where he will be laid to rest in the arms of our Lord. May his soul find eternal peace and may his legacy of faith continue to inspire us all.

Serving as casket bearers will be his grandsons, Victor "Steven" De La Peña, Dylan Matthew Ray, Ian Drew and Alfredo Joaquin Villescas; and 2 great-grandsons, Joshua Isaiah and Jordyn Alexander De La Peña. Honorary bearer will be his only granddaughter, Lauren Carina Watson.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Albert the Great Newman Center in Las Cruces, St. Anthony's Catholic Church, or La Posada- Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces.

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