ERNESTO M. ZAPIEN, JR., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 5,1945 in Las Cruces, NM., to Ernesto M. Zapien, Sr., and Herminia Zapien.

He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He then continued to serve his local community by becoming a Fire Fighter-driver for the Las Cruces Fire Department. He retired in 1996. He enjoyed going on camping trips as well as looking for arrowheads in the desert. His greatest joy was his family.

Those left to mourn his passing include his loving wife, of 58 years Dolores "Lolie" Zapien; his sons, Abel Zapien (Carmen), and Archie Zapien (Vanessa); his daughters, Valerie and Vanessa Zapien, all from Las Cruces; his grandchildren, Anthony Zapien (Bethany), Cynthia Diaz (Juan), Abel Zapien Jr (Viviana), Tyana Zapien and Jessy Saenz; he is also survived by seven great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Tillie Zapien; mother-in-law, Tomasita H. Enriquez; his sisters, Patsy Romero, and Stella Jimenez and two infant siblings.

Visitation for Ernest will begin at 10 AM Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina Street, with the Prayer Vigil at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter. At his request cremation will take place and Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date at the St. Genevieve Columbarium.

Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Marines Corps League El Perro Diablo Detachment.

The Last Bell Ceremony will be held by the Las Cruces Fire Department.

Serving as casket bearers will be Abel Zapien, Archie Zapien, Anthony Zapien, Abel Zapien Jr, Ronald Zapien, Felipe Romero, and Eric Enriquez.

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