Obituary of Jose Contreras

Watch the Tribute Jose Contreras March 18, 1935 - December 17, 2013 Funeral services for Jose Contreras, 78, of Lovington, NM will be held on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 2:00 pm at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Father Manuel Ibarra officiating. Burial will follow at Lovington Cemetery. Rosary will be Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. Mr. Contreras was born in Sabinal, Texas on March 18, 1935 to Marcos and Petra (Silva) Contreras and passed away in Lubbock, TX on December 17, 2013. He was married to Merejilda (Aguilar) Contreras in Crosbyton, TX on December 13, 1952. He came to Lovington fifty plus years ago and was employed as a farm laborer for Glen Taylor and then for Hinkle & Weisler Int’l before working for the City of Lovington in the Parks & Recreation Dept. He had a terrific “green thumb” and loved making yards beautiful. He was a caregiver, enjoying helping other people with their yards, buying groceries or taking them to their appointments. He was stern but loving and a good roll model to his children and taught them responsibility and consideration for others. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two children: Roberto and Celia; and three sisters: Juanita Martinez, Anselma Aguilar and Irene Contreras. He is survived by five sons: Juan and wife Amalia Contreras of Lovington, Enrique and wife Nora Contreras of Artesia, NM; Michael and wife Annette Contreras of Las Cruces, NM; Jose Jr. and wife Trini Contreras of Amarillo, TX; and Santiago Contreras of Amarillo, TX. Also eight daughters: Julia and husband Richard Lein of Carrollton, TX; Alice and husband Fred Ybanez of Belton, TX; Patricia Contreras of San Diego, CA; Virginia Contreras of Lovington, NM; Esperanza and husband Joe Palomo of Lovington; Irene and husband Oscar Peña of Denver City, TX; Mary Ann and husband Saul Munoz of Las Cruces, NM and Petra Black of Lovington; one sister: Maria Flores of Hobbs, NM and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19th from noon until Rosary time and Friday from 8:30 am until service time. Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.