1942
MSGT
2017
MSGT Jose Saavedra
October 22, 1942 — November 18, 2017
Retired MSgt, Jose Tomas Saavedra age 75 peacefully closed his eyes on Saturday November 18, 2017 and opened them to a new life in the kingdom of heaven. He was welcomed into the arms of his lord and savior, and into those of his beautiful daughter whom he missed dearly, Sandra Lee Apodaca, his parents Jose and Rose Saavedra, in-laws Flavio and Lucila Gutierrez and best-friend George Dominici. Jose was a faithful Catholic and a life-long member of Holy Family Catholic Church. After Graduating Rio Grande High School in 1960 he was drafted to military service, serving a 13-month tour of duty in Tuy Hoa AB Vietnam with the NMANG. After his return from Vietnam, Jose married the love of his life Gabie and together they went on to raise two amazing daughters, the late Sandra Lee and Angela. Jose coached his daughters in different sports throughout their childhood. He served proudly with the NMANG as a dual status Technician for 29 years as an Avionics Specialist, working on the F-100 Super Sabre and A-7 Corsair. His final tour was USAF Worldwide Fighter Gunnery Meet Gunsmoke 1989, he went onto retire in 1992. During his retirement years he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to go fishing and hunting with his best-friend George.
Jose is survived by his wife of 47 years Gabie, his daughter Angela Cochran and husband Paul their children Nicholas, Nathan and Sandra, Son in-law Pete Apodaca his children Gabriel, Ashley, and Aliyah and his fiancé Nancy; brothers Mariano Saavedra and wife Cris; Danny Saavedra and wife Stella; lifelong friends Louie Cordova and Jessey Baca as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren and friends. A visitation will be held Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, a rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. A final visitation will be held Monday, November 27, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco Dr. SW, Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery where he will be interned next to his daughter Sandra Apodaca. Honorary Pallbearers, Justice Lucero, Daniel Saavedra, Hank Roberson, Eric Saavedra, Ronald Saavedra, Louie Cordova and Jessey Baca.
Jose is survived by his wife of 47 years Gabie, his daughter Angela Cochran and husband Paul their children Nicholas, Nathan and Sandra, Son in-law Pete Apodaca his children Gabriel, Ashley, and Aliyah and his fiancé Nancy; brothers Mariano Saavedra and wife Cris; Danny Saavedra and wife Stella; lifelong friends Louie Cordova and Jessey Baca as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren and friends. A visitation will be held Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, a rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. A final visitation will be held Monday, November 27, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco Dr. SW, Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery where he will be interned next to his daughter Sandra Apodaca. Honorary Pallbearers, Justice Lucero, Daniel Saavedra, Hank Roberson, Eric Saavedra, Ronald Saavedra, Louie Cordova and Jessey Baca.
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