Jose L. Medina (Leo) of Dona Ana, New Mexico passed away on June 1, 2026, in Dona Ana, New Mexico.

Leo was born in Greeley, Colorado to Manuel and Natividad Medina.  Leo was the best husband, father, and grandfather.  Leo joined the Air Force at the age of 18 and was able to travel to Washington, California and Japan.  He was fluent in the Japanese language! Leo worked at NASA and Aerojet and eventually retired from Aerojet.  Upon returning to Las Cruces, Leo worked at Premier Distributors (his fun job) and eventually really retired.  Although he held several positions, his favorite "job" was being a husband, father and grandfather.  He always knew how to make you laugh.  He was a man of his word and did his very best to provide for his family.  He gave great advice to anyone who asked for it.  He lived his life the way he chose and died in the manner he chose…at home, in his own bed, and with the love of his life by his side.  He loved the Blessed Virgin Mary and prayed his Rosary daily…sometimes multiple times a day.  He will be remembered as a loving, caring, and hard working man who will be missed beyond words.

Leo is survived by his wife just shy of 72 years, Teresa, son JD (Michele) and daughters Sylvia, Patsy (Joe), Lucy, Bernice, and Minerva (Angel). Leo is also survived by two special grandchildren who he raised and were like his own children, Major Medina and Tanya Urenda (Eric).  He was also survived by 22 grandchildren, 36 great-grand children, and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by one sister, Irene Duran and three sisters in law. Leo also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and loved ones.

Leo was preceded in death by son Tony and his wife, Debbie, daughter,  Terry Jo, son-in-law, Jaime R. Montoya, parents, Manuel & Natividad Medina, parents-in-law, Antonio and Simona Cardon, sister, Lucy Crane (Bob), brothers, Danny (Ernestine), Manuel "Bay" (Emilia), Lee (Olivia), brothers-in-law, Freddy Gomez (Alice), Raymond Cardon (Elma), Emilio Cardon (Ester), Antonio "Tony" Cardon (Pat), Sonny Garcia and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on June 9, 2026, starting at 9 am at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church, 5525 Cristo Rey Street. A prayer vigil will start at 10 am with a funeral mass to follow. The Rite of Christian Burial and interment will be at Dona Ana Cemetery.

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