Ernie Salazar

Ernest Henry Salazar, age 75, a resident of Los Lunas, NM and formerly Belen, NM, went to his eternal rest on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Ernie was born in Clovis, NM, to Carmelita Sisneros Salazar and Antonio Salazar on May 30, 1946.
After Attending School in Clovis, NM, Ernie entered the United States Army, proudly serving his country from 1963-1966 as a personnel clerk. His Tours of Duty included assignments to Ft. Polk, LA , 13 months in Korea. His next duty station was Ft. Myers in Arlington, VA, where he honorably stood guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by his final assignment to Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, where he was honorably discharged having received a Good Conduct medal. During this time, Ernie celebrated the births of two of his children.
Ernie began his longtime career with BNSF in 1971 as a laborer in Clovis, NM and completed Engineer training in Amarillo, TX, which eventually led him to Belen, NM, in 1974, where he met and married the love of his life, Isabel Cordova in Veguita, NM, on April 12, 1975. They have lovingly devoted nearly 47 years to one another serving their Lord, church and raising their three children. After a lengthy career of over 21 years with BNSF, Ernie moved into a life of serving his community in various capacities as a volunteer.
As a longtime member of Our Lady of Belen, he actively and passionately participated in St. Mary's School, OLB Pro Life Ministry, Knights of Columbus and OLB Building Committee. Throughout his years there and although he was not a member of the choir, his love of worshiping our Lord was always evident as well as his devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist, often spending hours with our Lord in prayer and adoration, with his bride always by his side.
Outside of his Church involvement, Ernie also was an active member of the Belen Railway Employees Credit Union Advisory Board, the Republican Party co-chairman, Ward 1 Valencia County, and could also be found supporting the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network and The NM Autism Society organizations. In addition, Ernie was also a member of American Legion, Elks Lodge, and the Moose Lodge.
Ernie was happiest when surrounded by family and the people he was blessed to call friends, but most especially when he was cheering on his children and grandchildren in various activities and sports. If Ernie was in the stands, bleachers, sidelines, or courtside, everyone knew it. His voice carried for miles and his contagious laughter and smile could not be measured. His great-grandchildren will know of a great man whom will carry on his Catholic faith, love, passion and his legacy for generations to come.
Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Carmelita Salazar; siblings, Bertha and Emilio Contreras, Tony and Phyllis Salazar and his in-laws, Fermin and Senovia Cordova.
He is survived by his bride of 46 years, Isabel Cordova Salazar of Los Lunas NM; children, David (Celestine) Salazar of Albuquerque, Rachel (Terry Dee) Curry of Clovis , Gabriel Salazar of Belen, Sarah (Amos) Baca of Rio Rancho and Nicholas (Kristen) Salazar of Belen; grandchildren include, by order of birth, Amber (Andy) Roberts of Clovis, Alesia Salazar of Albuquerque, Cassandra (Justin) Sanders, Fritch TX, Seth Curry (Elliott) of Greenville SC, Degan , Prestyn and Cruz Baca of Rio Rancho, Riley, Logan, Oliver Salazar of Belen, Gustavo & Violet Salazar of Belen and Nicholas Candelaria of Isleta; great-grandchildren include Niliyaah, Ricky and Anna Roberts of Clovis, NM, Alexa Acosta of Albuquerque, Creidence and Gabriella Sanders of Fritch, TX and siblings, Betty (Robert) Lucero of Clovis, NM, Benjamin Salazar of Clovis, NM, Jose Emerenciano (Hope) Baca of Clovis, NM. He is also survived by so many loving family and friends all whom he cherished greatly.
A viewing will be held at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave, on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. Services will be held at San Clemente Catholic Church, 244 Lunas Ave, SE, Los Lunas, on Friday, December 10, 2021, beginning with a Rosary at 9:30 AM, followed by the funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow immediately in Terrace Grove Cemetery, Belen.
Pallbearers are Michael and Nicholas Candelaria, Ernest Gonzales, Andy Baca, Degan Baca and Kenny Maestas.
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to some of Pops favorite charities in his honor: Right to Life Committee New Mexico, Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network, or the Autism Society New Mexico.
AN online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernie Salazar, please visit our floral store.