Cesar Maldonado, also known as Charli, 46 years old, born in Guatemala on February 22nd, 1978, was a devoted father to Alicia Veralí Maldonado Rivas, Saydi Yessenia Maldonado Rivas, and Natalyn Maldonado Rivas. He, along with their Mother, Eva Sarahi Rivas Cortez, lovingly raised them.

He is the son of Juan Maldonado and Amalia Perez Jimenez, who he is now joining him in Heaven and will meet again after 16 years.

A Brother to Otto Maldonado Perez, Alex Maldonado Perez, Estela Maldonado Perez and Irma Santos Perez.

He was a loving Husband to Lourdes Vazquez, Mother of 3. Their union was a testament to his commitment, as they got Married in a civil union on October 10th, 2015, in Las Cruces, NM, and married at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on October 20th, 2023.  Cesar met Lourdes' oldest son, Luis Cruz, who befriended and embraced him first as part of the family before his untimely death in 2010. Her daughter; Yuridia Cruz, an NMSU Alumni, knew of his love and care from the way he was there to always give advice. Lastly, the youngest, Antonio Cruz, whom he considered his own son, and Antonio considered him his father as Cesar raised him through his teen years into adulthood.

He was always there for his family, no matter the distance.

A hard-working blue-collar man, he worked in many jobs that involved being out in the hot sun and building the beauty of our city. He was blessed enough to achieve his dream of opening his landscaping company just before passing.

He was also a community leader, volunteering with the Border Network for Human Rights from 2009 to 2024.

He always ensured he was learning and teaching others how to defend their rights against injustice and be the best community members they could be.

A visitation for Cesar  will begin at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21st, at Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E Boutz Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88005. A prayer vigil will begin at 6pm with a Funeral Liturgy to follow.

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