Louie C. Atencio, beloved husband, father, brother, dedicated counselor, and pillar in the Dona Ana community, passed away on March 14, 2026 surrounded by his immediate family and friends. He was born on May 1, 1955, in San Diego, California, to Manuela Carreras and Roque Senior Atencio, who instilled in him a resilience that shaped his life's work. Louie devoted his career to helping others as a mental health therapist and drug and alcohol counselor for troubled youth and advocate for those most vulnerable youth to be given the structure and guidance they lacked from their family of origin. His empathy, patience, and unwavering belief in people's ability to heal touched countless lives in Southern New Mexico. He carried a quiet strength that made others feel seen, supported, and understood.

He is survived by his loving wife, Yolanda Atencio, and his children, who were the pride of his life: his eldest daughter Elaine Marie A-Hannon and her husband Randal Hannon; his eldest son Louie Atencio Jr., his wife Jennifer Coyazo-Atencio and grandchildren Louie Ray, Victoria Marie, and Krystina Jade Atencio; his younger daughter Elanda Mariquita Atencio, her husband Kyle Gillis and their expecting child; and his younger son William Roque Atencio and his spouse Jessica Atencio.

Louie is also survived by his brothers Joe Atencio, Sam Atencio, and Danny Atencio; and his sisters Senovia Ortega, Lovelia Padilla, and Cecilia Lucero. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rocky Atencio; his sister Jeni Angel; and his nephew Anthony Atencio. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, located at 300 E. Boutz Road. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a man whose kindness, humor, and generosity left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him. Louie's legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the family he cherished, the hope and unconditional positive regard he shared so freely.

To view the service via live stream logon to www.bacastream.com

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