It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Arthur E. Maldonado, who peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven, on Wednesday, November 19, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, Art cherished his family above all else. He was born in Silver City, New Mexico on July 21, 1946 to Josephine Elias Maldonado and Louis Maldonado.

Arthur loved the outdoors and learned to fish and hunt at an early age and always had a BB-gun in hand. He was an avid reader, good student and accomplished high school football player. Arthur proudly served stateside during the Vietnam conflict, at Ft. Belvoir, VA in the Finance Dept. until he was honorably discharged. It was during his service that he married the love of his life, Rosemary Marquez.

Arthur went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Western NM University, while working and raising his family. He would later serve as the County Manager in Grant County, NM where he was able to bring the county into financial stability. Arthur also worked at the Kennecott Copper Mining Company until he retired. He later worked other jobs utilizing his financial skills until he permanently retired.

Arthur's wife Rosemary, and both his immediate and extended family were the most important things in his life. He was a great source of strength, comfort, wisdom and reliability that can never be matched. He was a man of great faith and was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Arthur will be greatly missed.

He is survived by Rosemary, his beloved wife of 59 yrs., his five children, Lisa Rascon, Rita Marshall, Paula Johnson, Mary Morales and Arthur Louis Maldonado, his cherished 9 grandchildren, his brothers Bill Maldonado, Louis Madrid, Joseph Richard Maldonado, his sisters, Lucy Godman, Natalia Summerlain and Emma Martinez.

He is preceded in death by his dear parents, Josephine and Louis Maldonado, his grandson Brian Rascon, his maternal grandparents, Natalia and Guillermo Elias, and his paternal grandparents, Maria M. and Pilar Munoz, (Jose Maria Maldonado). Arthur was laid to rest at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.

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