EDDIE GAMBOA, 93, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. He was born February 5, 1930. His family home where he grew up is the only two-story house on the Mesilla Plaza and he had many cherished memories of his Mesilleros friends playing in the plaza, as that was their playground.  A proud Las Cruces High School Bulldog, he signed up for and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, receiving the Purple Heart Medal for his service during the Korean War. After his military service, he attended New Mexico A&M (now New Mexico State University) where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. During his studies, he enjoyed his experiences as an Aggie and a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

Eddie's career began with a position with the McDonnell Douglas Missile and Space Systems Division at White Sands Missile Range. He continued his career at Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands at different times throughout the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. He spent three years with the Safeguard Program Complex in Langdon, North Dakota and, also worked in Sacramento and Huntington Beach, California. Upon leaving McDonnell Douglas, he returned to Las Cruces and finished his career at White Sands Missile Range employed by the U.S. Army Missile Command. He received numerous awards and accolades for his work throughout his career.  Upon retiring, he spent many enjoyable years with his "Maintenance Crew Amigos" at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. Fun times were also spent working with his "Paella Chef Amigos" from the Mesilla Valley Serra Club at the Holy Cross Retreat House. He also had wonderful memories of his travels as a tour guide when he was the owner of Atlas Travel Agency.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ella Marie Apodaca Gamboa, children Laurie, Valerie, and Rod Gamboa (Deirdre); granddaughter Tahisha Banegas (David), pride and joy great-grandchildren, Lucia, Joaquin, and Mario; loving step-great-grandsons Davi and Jose Banegas; special nephew Robert Apodaca; sister Mary Chemelis, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernesto and Dolores Gamboa, and his siblings Joe, Henry, Armando, Gil, and Paul Gamboa.

Eddie's family gives special thanks to Henry Apodaca, Gilbert Apodaca, and Patsy Villareal for their love and support. They would also like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Enhabit Hospice.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, 1240 S. Espina Street. The Rite of Committal and Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Garden Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue. Military honors will be accorded by the United States Marines Corps and the Marines Corps League El-Perro Diablo Detachment.

Because of Eddie's love for all animals, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 16227, Las Cruces, NM 88004, (www.shaspets.com).

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces 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