Antonio M. Loera of Hanover, a lifelong resident of Grant County, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, surrounded by his family.

Antonio was born in Fierro, NM on August 29, 1940 to Jesus and Adelina Loera.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Julia Loera; his daughter, Christina Ambriz (David) and his son, Robert Loera, both from Albuquerque; grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew, and Brianna; great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Anna; his sister, Rosie (Lupe); 2 nieces and 1 nephew; extended family members, Cecilia Andazola and family and Alice Avalos (Jimmy).

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He joined the United States Army on March 13, 1963. He was an SP4 expert marksman (rifle). He was in the Army Reserve and honorably discharged on March 31, 1969.

Visitation will take place at five o’clock in the evening on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Baca’s Funeral Chapel in Silver City. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary led by Deacon Art Gutierrez will follow at six o’clock. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Antonio at nine-thirty in the morning on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Bayard. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors accorded. Officiating is Father Martin Okonkwo.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Joseph Andazola, Jacob Andazola, John Andazola, David Ambriz, Alfred Rascon, and Tony Torres Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Avalos, Lupe Armijo, and Daniel Chavez.