Jose Manuel Archuleta, 99, lifelong rancher of Arroyo Seco went to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 18, 2015. He is preceded in death by his wife Marina Torres Archuleta, parents, Juan C. and Lorencita Medina Archuleta, granddaughter Carensa Archuleta, grandsons, Eloy Archuleta, Floyd Archuleta Jr., and Kevin Nichols, siblings, Damian Archuleta (Eliza), Laura Sanchez (Gilio), Eufelia Sandoval (Ted), Elizardo Archuleta, and Ramon Archuleta. He is survived by his children, Joe Archuleta (Merlene), JoAnn Lucero (Ernest), Floyd Archuleta (Violetta), Lloyd Archuleta (Dolores), Dean Archuleta (Angela), Louella Nichols (Gerald), 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, brothers and sisters in law, Fermin Torres (Irene), Martin Torres (Elma), Casilda Medina (Jessie), Lupe Archuleta, Bernice Torres, Claudina Torres, Marcella Rodriguez, Carolina Torres, and many other beloved relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico. He had several occupations that included sheep herding, serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps and working for the railroad in Wyoming. In 1942 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country during World War II in Scotland, England, Belgium, Italy, Normandy France and Germany. After the war, he married Marina Torres. In the early 1950s he relocated his family to Oregon where he was employed for the California-Oregon Pacific Power Plant Project. He then moved back to New Mexico where he owned and operated El Gaucho Bar and La Fonda Liquor Store with his brother Damian until 1970. He also operated a ranch with over 100 head of cattle. In November 2010, he was named the New Mexico Acequia Association Farmer-Rancher of the year. A graphic image of Manuel is currently used as the logo for the Taos Valley Acequia Association.
Rosary was recited on January 22, 2015. Funeral mass was held on January 23, 2015 at Holy Trinity Church with Interment following at the Arroyo Seco Cemetery.
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