SERGIO ELIAS GARCIA SANCHEZ passed away Friday, September 4, 2026, at 45 years of age.

Sergio was born October 24, 1980, to Nora and Lorenzo Sanchez in Artesia, NM. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1999. Sergio lived in San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, and Las Cruces, NM before returning home to Artesia. He was a correctional officer for Eddy County Detention Center and a caregiver with High Desert Family Services, formerly The Door of Opportunity, Inc.

Sergio loved fishing, hunting, cooking, and camping with his cousins. He enjoyed history, most especially studying wars of the world. Sergio appreciated good books and audio books, especially John Sandford and non-fiction history. He delighted in cooking, watching cooking shows, hot sauces, chilé, and using all the spices in the cupboard. He made the best Spanish rice, green chicken enchiladas, jerky, and spice-rack steak. Cooking was Sergio’s love language.

Sergio is survived by his devoted parents, Nora and Lorenzo; his sister, Audrey and her husband, Nathan; his brother, Long; and his nephew and nieces, Kennen, Kathryn, Isabel, and Jemma. He is also survived by his step-grandma, María Elena García, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Sergio is preceded in death by many loved ones, including Julia García (grandma), Elías García (grandpa), María Dolores “Lolita” Gálvez (grandma), Luis Pérez (uncle), Elías García Jr (uncle), Billie García (aunt), Rubin García (uncle), Alma Hernández (aunt), Julia Mariscal (cousin), Fred García (uncle), Alex Hernández (uncle), and his beloved pup, Theia “Chunkers”.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1111 N Roselawn Ave, Artesia, NM. A rosary service will be held on September 25, 2026, at 6PM. A funeral service will be held on September 26, 2026, at 10AM.

Cremation 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