Louis Edward Gallegos I

May 21, 1943 – June 29, 2020

Louis E. Gallegos was a great man that was loved, is deeply missed and will alwaysbe cherished. Louis was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncleand a friend to all.Louis was a lifelong resident of NM, born in Tucumcari and raised on the family’s“Sands Spring Ranch” near Logan. He met his beautiful wife, Beatriz Munoz whileattending New Mexico State University. Story has it they met at a “Country WesternDance” went on their first date to the drive-in theater and saw the movie “Love MeTender” with Elvis Presley. It was then that Bea knew it was meant to be. The two weremarried on November 24, 1962 and life began for the Gallegos clan. They had abeautiful family: two girls and five boys.Louis was a true cowboy who loved ranch life, horses, dogs, hunting, fishing andcamping. Rodeo was his passion and in his younger days, he rode bulls and broncsand was also a great rodeo clown. He watched rodeo every day and night. Hisinterests also included horse racing where he was appointed Racing Stewart by theGovernor. Then of course there was Politics! He volunteered numerous hours andvolunteered his kids as well to campaigning for his candidates and then he became thecandidate. In 1988, he was elected and proudly served the office of New Mexico StateCorporation Commissioner. Louis was a businessman who through his career, workedat Mountain Bell, owned and operated, Ute Lake Marina employed in the insuranceindustry, was founder of Political Planning Association, and co-operator of Western EliteSecurity Company.He was a great grandfather and uncle and loved and accepted all children as his own.He loved to boss the kids (no matter what age) around, annoying maybe, but, done toteach. He called everyone regularly just to see how things were going, many timestalking to you as if you were five, often loud and annoying, but done with love. Rarelywas anyone called by their given name as he had a nickname for everyone.Louis cherished his family and appreciated all his many friends. He was one other“three musketeers”, which included Johnny Cooper and Wally Haynes.He is survived by and loved dearly by his wife of 58 years, Beatriz, brothers Ernest(Lucy), Albert (Annabelle), Danny, sister in law Mary Jo Goggins, children Edward(Evanne) Gallegos, Sandra (Casey Willis) Miller, Cynthia (Frank) Gallegos, Brian(Becky) Gallegos, Brad (Raquel Miramontes) Gallegos, Bruce Gallegos, Lawrence(Melissa Jose) Gallegos, daughter-in laws Debbie Gallegos and Terry Sanchez.Grandchildren Louis, Alexis, Rheanna, John “Jack” (Brytta), Alicia, Serena, Sonya(Mark), Christina, Candice, Flora, Gabriella, Juliana, Samantha, David, Bruce Jr., Alex,and Ariel. Great grandchildren Alyssa, Ariana, Maynard, Winifred, Walter, Gaige,Monica, Olivia, Spencer, Naveah, Andrew, and numerous nieces, nephews, relativesand friends.

Family welcoming him into heaven are his parents Bonifacio and Julia Gallegos, brotherTommy Gallegos, sister-in-law Pat Gallegos and Kaire Gallegos and loving grandsonMatthew R. Gurule.Arrangements are being handled by Rivera Family Funeral Home. Visitation will beTuesday, July 7 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and will be followed by a Rosary from 6:00 to8:00. A mass celebrating his life will be held Wednesday, July 8, at 11 am at CathedralBasilica of St. Francis of Assisi with interment to follow at Rosario Cemetery.