Randy Ranels, 83,  Retired Army Lt Colonel of Las Cruces, NM was born in Alamogordo,NM and graduated from Ysleta HS in El Paso, UTEP where he acquired a Masters in Math. Randy loved learning daily and encouraged others to further their education, be honest, keep your word with integrity and community involvement.
Randy was a proud Army Veteran retiring after 20 years in aviation, R&D and electronic warfare receiving numerous decorations, medals, badges, Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallor with Palm, 4 overseas bars, Master Aviator Badge Star piloting Huey helicopter, Legion Merit of combat, etc.
After retiring from the Army, he became a Math Teacher for 7 years at Onate HS and Mayfield HS, where he met Linden. He volunteered with his wife Linden by serving those who served for almost 18 years with the Disabled Veterans of America driving Veterans to medical appointments.  He helped the youth in the Optimus Club. He also attended UUMC and with their church family aided the community.  Randy served on the Las Cruces International Airport Advisory Board for 8 years.  In his later years,  he enjoyed working in his yard, gardens, and spending time with family and friends.
Randy is preceded in death by his parents Clyde & Maxine, Stepfather James, first wife Marie and wife Linden.

Randy is survived by siblings: Nancy, James(Darlene), Linda(Bill), Sharon(Tom), children: Darrell, Debra(Claude), Rhonda(Sergio), nephews: Wesley(Stacey), Hunter and Daniel, grandchildren: Rebecca(Daniel), Laura, Sarah(Josh), great grandchildren: Liliana, Titus, Chase, Abigail, Leah & sister and countless cousins.
Church services will be held on January 6th, 2025 at University United Methodist Church,  2000 Locust at 10:30am followed by full Army honors at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery,  5200 Fred Wilson at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please volunteer and donate to your local community and the Disabled American Veterans.

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