Eddie T. Leon, 61, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away on Oct 6, 2023, at Mesilla Valley Hospice after a brief illness.

Eddie was born on January 23, 1962, in Las Cruces, New Mexico and attended Booker T. Washington Elementary, Alameda Junior High and Mayfield High School, graduating in 1981.

Eddie began working at Memorial General Hospital's (now Memorial Medical Center) Facilities and Maintenance Department on September 15, 1986 as a Maintenance Mechanic. He became a Journeyman Plumber and obtained his Backflow Preventer's certification. For 38 years, Eddie served in roles as a Maintenance Mechanic, Preventive Maintenance Coordinator, Engineering Supervisor, and oversaw plant operations. Regardless of his title, Eddie gave 100% to his job each and every day.  He believed in learning about the facility and no task was too small or too big.  He was always willing to help out and spent many of his off hours (day and night) talking through tasks with co-workers over the phone, even going in to assist if needed. He was loyal, productive, and always looked out for the best interests of the hospital, the staff, and the visitors.   Memorial Medical Center was truly his second home and he cared very deeply about it.

Eddie met Teresa when she began working at the hospital in August 1988 and they married in January, 1993.  Together they built a life that included Teresa pursuing lifelong education in Nursing and Eddie working and spending time at home, cultivating his fruits and vegetables, mowing the lawn, preparing for irrigation of the pecan orchard, maintaining chickens and figuring out how to get the best of the squirrels and skunks that ravaged his yard. He worked hard for what he had, never complained, and always wanted the best for his wife and children.

Eddie always put others first and even after a hard day's work he was willing to help a friend, a family member or even a stranger no matter the time of day.  He built up a clientele that kept him busy with plumbing needs, home and lawn care, auto repairs, and just about anything else he could tinker with to make it work. He met some of the nicest people because of his willingness to help. He enjoyed the outdoors and found peace and enjoyment sitting around a campsite or fishing with friends.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Angelita Leon, his eldest son, Joey Apodaca, his brothers Arturo and Santos Leon, and his sister, Angie Flores (Sergio).

Eddie is survived by his wife, Teresa and children Eddie Jr. (Brittany), Cynthia Leon, and Olivia Leon. Also recognized is Thomas Jackson, who always referred to Eddie as "Dad" and Teresa as "Mom".  Eddie is also survived by his siblings Mario Leon, Jr., Andrea Leon, Irene Miller, Carmen Zamora (Jesus), Rosemary Leon (dec. Gabriel Orduñez), Connie Rivera (Paul), Bertha Rodriguez, Josie Silguero (Andres), Jesse Leon, Gloria Jaramillo (Frank), David Leon, Nancy Martinez (Manuel), Terry Leon (Javier Tablon), five grandchildren.  Also surviving Eddie are his in-laws, Rodolfo and Aurora Guzman, Teresa's siblings and their spouses, and many nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10 am at the Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Arrangements are provided by Baca's Funeral Home.

The family wish to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Barbara Blanco, General Surgeon, MMC Intensivists (CCU), and MMC Hospitalists (Warren Kimmel, NP) and all the staff at Memorial Medical Center, Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico, and Mesilla Valley Hospice for their dedication to providing care and comfort to Eddie and his family.  Also, many thanks to Eddie's family, friends, and MMC co-workers for their support, thoughtfulness and caring throughout the years and during Eddie's last weeks. Eddie truly knew how much he was valued and appreciated by all.

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