Julio Maldonado Polanco, 86, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 15, 1928 in Cliff, NM to Hilario and Avelina (Maldonado) Polanco. Mr. Polanco retired from the U.S. Army in 1970 after serving his country loyally for twenty-two years. His service included tours in WWII, Korea, and he saw action with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1965. His favorite military saying was, "If you are going to be one, be a Big Red One!" After returning home, he began a career with Kennecott Copper Corp. where he was foreman at the Power Plant for 18 years. He then worked at Phelps Dodge until his retirement in 1991. His favorite pastime was farming on the Gila where he was born and raised. "Pampo" or "Uncle Lulo" as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews took great pride and joy in teaching them how to drive his tractor. He made a huge impact in the Gila Valley and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth B. Polanco of the family home; two daughters, Rosie Placencia and husband Joe of Silver City; Sandy Ellison and husband Randy of Silver City; one son, Larry Polanco of Tyrone; seven grandchildren, Joey Placencia (Aimee); Jennifer Placencia; Julie Placencia and fiancé Andrew; Tanner and Katelyn Ellison; Kristina and Keenan Polanco; two great-grandchildren, Andres and Audriana Placencia; one brother, Candido Polanco and wife Polly of Phoenix, AZ; five sisters, Anita Torrez of Tucson, AZ; Rosa Casarez and husband David of Bayard; Lila Provencio and husband Jimmy of Bayard; Lorenza Polanco of Gila; Maria Lovato of San Juan Pueblo, NM; two sisters-in-law of Germany Irmgard and Edith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Gary Polanco ('95), one brother, Manuel Polanco; one sister, Irene Placencio.

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, February 10th at 11am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Dr. Gilbert Arizaga reciting. The funeral mass will follow at 12:30pm at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Tony Basso officiating. Inurnment will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 11am at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.

Pallbearers will be Joe Placencia, Randy Ellison, Joey Placencia, Tanner Ellison, Bobby Torrez, Tommy Provencio and Ronnie Lovato. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.