It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Raul C. Diaz of 89 years on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Raul was born on October 5, 1933 in El Porvenir, Chihuahua Mexico. In 1954 he became a Naturalized Citizen when he immigrated to the United States. He began working at Stahmann Farms where he lived for 30 years working to raise poultry, process cotton, pecan processing, and statewide commercial egg delivery. Amid a developing career with Stahmann Farms, he met Nellie as she arrived home on the school bus. It was love at first sight, as he felt he would marry her one day and so he did in 1958.

Eventually retiring from Stahmann Farms; he bought 2 acres of land to build a home then plant his own pecan trees with his children and wife Nellie. After settling in their new homestead, Raul went to work for Ikard & Newsome propane as full-time commercial driver. During his time there he earned numerous awards, trophies and belt buckles celebrated for achievements such as "Most cautious driver" and "Best truck driver of the year."

In his leisure time, he played in the old timer's baseball league with the Blue Jays in La Mesa, NM. His true passion was dedicated to his trees that still stand today. Throughout his life Raul displayed his kind and loving heart as he was always willing to lend a hand or help a friend in need. Raul was a proud member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where he served 15 years as a lector.

He was happily married to Nellie Diaz for almost 65 years. His 5 children include 3 daughters, Leticia Werner(Gary)NM, Maria Isabel Albert(Imre)AL, Adrianna Abrahamson(Tom)JPN; 2 sons, Raul Diaz Jr(Melinda)AR, Rogelio Diaz(Alicia)NM; 5 sisters, Rosa Clark(Frank), Ofelia Martinez CA, Tencha Aguilar(Tacho)TX, Lily Diaz TX, Lucy Villa(Henry); 4 Brothers, Carmelo Diaz NM, Edmundo Diaz(Martha)AZ, Amador Diaz(Lupe), Robert Diaz(Yolanda)AZ; and a sister-in-law Chita Diaz of AZ; Other survivors include 17 Grandchildren; Andres Galvan, Alexandrea Galvan, Bella Albert; Jennie Warrior(Tony), Aric Diaz(Jamie), Adrian Diaz(Lindsay), Caitlin Diaz; Lenora Werner, Seth Abrahamson; Saphira Abrahamson, Rogelio Diaz Jr, Blanca Diaz, Marcelino Diaz, Ricardo Diaz, Guadalupe Reyes; Victoria Reyes and Linda Reyes; 10 great-grandchildren, Reina, Arianna, Elias, Jaiden, Josephine, Juliana, Aidan, Alyssa, Anthony, Cruz, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Raul was preceded in death by his parents, Vicente and Aurora Diaz; a brother Eleno Diaz; 2 daughters and a son, Maria, Flora, and Fabian.

A visitation for Raul Diaz will be Thursday, August 17, 2023, starting at 6pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3600 Paroquia Street. A prayer vigil will begin at 7pm. The funeral mass will be on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Valentine Jankowski officiating. Immediately after the mass the burial will follow at San Miguel Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.

Serving as Honorary casket bearers will be Raul Diaz Jr and Rogelio Diaz, Andres Galvan, Seth Abrahamson, Gary Werner and Johnny Mendoza.  Pallbearers will be Carmelo Diaz, Edmundo Diaz, Amador Diaz, Robert Diaz.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank all family, friends, and those entrusted with Raul's care including, doctors, nurses, aids, employees at Memorial Hospital, Mesilla Valley Hospice La Posada, Amber Care, and Bonnie.

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