Raul Delgado, 85, passed quietly into his eternal home on July 12th. Raul was born April 5, 1940 in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico, and became a U.S. citizen in 1947.
In his teens he took advantage of the army recruiting program "Out of high school, into flight school." Raul served 20 years as a Spanish interpreter, in Special Forces, including six years in Vietnam. He was a skilled helicopter maintenance inspector and pilot. He had a lifetime love of flying. His helicopter was shot down and Raul was seriously injured. He was awarded the AIR MEDAL for heroism in Aerial Flight. Raul was permanently grounded and sent to Hanau, Germany as Equal Opportunity Staff Officer. Upon retirement, he continued his education at WNMU receiving a Bachelor's degree in business education.
It was here he met Judith Lierz in 1983. He lived a life to be proud of as a patriot and a loving, generous husband and father.
Raul was preceded in death by his mother, Hortensia Delgado. He is survived by his wife, Judith, his son Donavan Delgado of Las Vegas, Nevada, his twins (J.R.) Jose-Raul Delgado (Ashley) of Santa Clara, Marisol Delgado of Silver City, his grandchildren, Elena, Alysiana, Azalayia, Nathaniel, Ileana, Jaylee, Ruben and his brother, Abel Delgado of Deming,
Visitation will be Thursday, July 17th from 5:30-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to commence at 6pm with April Ortiz reciting. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 18th at 10am with full military honors at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Concluding service he will be cremated at Terrazas Crematory. Pallbearers are Juan Ortiz, Michael Abeyta, Ileana Cook, Alysiana Cook, Ruben Castillo, and Jose Raul Delgado.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
