Stephen A. Montez, 52, a lifelong resident of Lordsburg passed away Sunday August 13, 2017 at Mt. View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces.

Stephen was born August 27, 1964 in Lordsburg to Alfonso and Maria Dolores (Serna) Montez. He graduated from Lordsburg High School in 1982 and shortly thereafter in 1984 he started his career with the Lordsburg Port of Entry. Stephen eventually became Port Supervisor and retired from there in 2015. He was an avid Dallas Cowboy Fan and as time permitted he enjoyed cooking, baking, hunting and travelling with his family. He also loved to ride his Harley and was very knowledgeable about the Civil War. This period of history was very interesting to him. His family especially remembers him as having a great sense of humor, a special trait that characterized him the best.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Montez of Lordsburg; his daughters, Marina and Stephanie Montez of Lordsburg; his father, Alfonso Montez Sr. of Lordsburg; brother, Al Montez Jr. and his wife Yoli of Las Cruces; sisters, Michelle Montez of Albuquerque, Bel Crotts and her husband Larry of Arenas Valley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Stephen was preceded in death by his mom, Dolores Montez.

Visitation will be this Friday, August 18, 2017 at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's Catholic Church where a prayer vigil will begin at 10 o'clock with Alice Ramirez leading the rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 o'clock with Fr. Jude Okonkwo, Pastor officiating. Concluding services and interment will follow at Shakespeare Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Frank Acosta, Antonio Montez, Sonny Montez, Chris Montoya, Robin Brazil, and Gilbert Garcia. Honorary bearers are his brother, brother in laws, nephews, godsons, compadres, cousins, his co-workers and law enforcement family.