Tomas E. Salazar

Tomas E. Salazar passed away peacefully on October 25, 2018 surrounded by family at the age of 85. Tomas was born in Dixon, New Mexico to Fermilia and Silas Salazar. He later attended Allison James School and Menaul School. Tomas went on to serve in the US Army as a combat engineer. After working in California and Colorado, Tomas returned home to Cuestecitas, NM where he worked the land farming and ranching. Those who knew Tomas knew him as a fun loving witty person who always had a knack for making friends with strangers. Tomas loved gathering wood, ranching, farming and especially working on his beloved tractor. Tomas always had a smile on his face and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Preceding Tomas in death are his parents, Fermilia and Silas Salazar, his father and mother in law Jose Efren and Adonila Montoya, a brother Jose Celestino Salazar, Close Uncles Moises Salazar and Eliseo Salazar, granddaughter Amanda Tafoya, brothers in law Alfonso Montoya and Jose Martinez and many other family members and friends. Tomas is survived by his wife of 53 years Oralia Salazar, a daughter Rachel Tafoya (Daniel), a son Rubel Salazar (Celestina), grandchildren Christopher Benavidez (Audrey), Angela Tafoya (Sergio), Michael Benavidez, Esperanza Arrellin (Josiah) , Alicia Tafoya (Darren), Mathew Benavidez (Vanessa), Carolina Tafoya, a sister Rumaldita Medina (Fermin), sister in laws Alice Martinez, Rafelita Montoya, and a special sister in law Corine Salazar. Tomas is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on November 10th, 2018 at the Embudo Presbyterian Church in Dixon, NM at 11:00 AM with interment to be at a later date.