Christopher Arana

Christopher R. Arana, age 80, born in Alamogordo, New Mexico and resident of Albuquerque, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019.  Mr. Arana is survived by his beloved wife, Sophia; children, Christopher Gino Arana and wife, Connie, Ted Arana; step-sons, Ted Benavides wife, Shelly, Arthur Benavides and wife, Nanette, Paul Benavides; grandchildren, Christopher Andrew Arana, Jarrod Arana, Jared Benavides, Joseph Benavides, Voivod Benavides, Cyrus Benavides, Vincencia Benavides, Dexter Benavides, Jessica Benavides, Ryan Benavides, Milana Benavides, Marcus Benavides, Carmen Benavides and Vanessa Benavides; brother, Alfred Arana; and niece, Idalisa Gordon.

Mr. Arana is a veteran of the United States Army.  He retired from Sandia Laboratories.   He was a member of the Valencia County Sheriff’s Posse as well as a Sheriff’s Deputy in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Mr. Arana was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, a senior staff engineer and member of NATO, a member of the Catholic Church and the was on the council for the original Crime Stoppers organization.  Mr. Arana was selected by President Kennedy as an engineer for the Apollo 11 and has a plaque with his name permanently placed on the moon.

A visitation will be Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Catholic Church of the Ascension, 2150 Raymac Rd. SW, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow services at 2:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ted Benavides, Christopher Gino Arana, Arthur Benavides, Ted Arana, Paul Benavides and Andrew Arana.