MR. EVANGELISTO "LITO" LUCERO JR. age 91, lifelong resident of Las Cruces entered eternal life on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 30, 1933, in Fairacres to Maria Ogas and Evangelisto Lucero Sr.  "Lito," as he was fondly known to family and friends served his country honorably in the United States Navy. After the Military he was employed with Mountain Bell Telephone Co. as a lineman and also, worked as a custodian for the Public Schools. Mr. Lucero was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Those left to mourn his passing include his loving children, 2 son, Ernest C. Lucero (Sylvia) of Las Cruces and Joseph A. Lucero (Michelle) of Bakersfield, CA; 2 daughters, Dolores Maria Lucero also of Las Cruces and Debra Jean Rivera (Greg) of Farmington, NM; a sister, Bertha Williams and daughter-in-law, Alicia Lucero all from Las Cruces. Other survivors include 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Leonor Cano Lucero on December 29, 2007; son, Johnny Lucero; sister, Angelita Lucero and 2 brothers, Arturo and Raymond Lucero.

Visitation for Lito will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Friday, April 11, 2025, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be a 11 AM at the Basilica de San Albino, 2070 Calle de Santiago in Mesilla. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter with The Reverend Christopher Williams, Celebrant. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue where he will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife in the family plot. Military honor will be accorded by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League - El Perro Diablo Detachment.

Serving as casket bearers will be Christopher Rodriguez, EJ, Ernie, and Joseph Lucero, Greg Rivera, and Gabe Munez.

The Lucero Family would like to extend a very special thank you, to Dr. William Baker and all his staff; Comfort Keepers and Staff especially Layle for your attention; his caregivers, Pate and Olga from Home Kare and to Joshlin McDaniel for her trust in his personal legal affairs.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com