Lorenzo S. Apodaca, better known as "Blondie," passed away peacefully at his home in Doña Ana on June 23, 2026, at the age of 97.

Lorenzo was born in Canutillo, Texas, on March 3, 1929, to Angelita Sepulveda and Lorenzo Apodaca.

He worked for SWIG Cotton Gin in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he met many lifelong friends. He later retired from Las Cruces Public Schools and enjoyed working on trucks alongside his son, Fred Apodaca.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Fred Apodaca; Lorenzo Jr. (Mary); Ernie Apodaca (Marcella); David Apodaca (Daisy), all of Las Cruces; and Ray Apodaca (Lana) of California. His daughters include Margaret Razo (Joe) of California, Pricilla Garcia of California, Angie Gaeta (John) of California, Lupe Businger of Texas, Rachel A. Blacklock of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Sallie Atencio of Oklahoma. He is also survived by 39 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosa Apodaca, the mother of all his children; his parents, Angelita and Lorenzo Apodaca; his sisters, Celia Apodaca, Roberta Pacheco, and Carmen Porras; his son, Alfredo Apodaca; his daughters, Rosemary Estrada and Christina Apodaca; his grandsons, Alex "Gooch" De La O and Joey Apodaca; his sons-in-law, Edward Estrada, Joe Morales, Alfred Garcia, Brian Blacklock, and Frank Hernandez; and his brothers-in-law, Salvador Porras and Manuel Pacheco.

Casket bearers will be his sons Ernie, David, and Fred Apodaca; his grandson Nick De La O; his great-grandsons Giovanni De La O and David Apodaca Jr.; and his great-granddaughter Alena Guevara.

A visitation will be held starting at 6pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Our Lady of Purification, 5525 Cristo Rey Street. A prayer vigil will follow at 7pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10am on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Purification. The Rite of Christian Burial and committal 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