Joe Montano, age 78, died Thursday, June 26, 2014 in Clayton, NM.

Memorial Rosary was recited at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 28 and Mass of Christian Burial followed at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton with Fr. Joel Bugas, Celebrant. Arrangements were under the direction of Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.

Joe M. Montano was born on September 12, 1935 in Miera, New Mexico. He was raised by his blind grandmother Agatha Montoya. He married Teresina Marie (Sanchez) Montano on December 1, 1956 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton, New Mexico where he was a member as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was a bus driver for 35 years, he worked 11 years at the Union County Courthouse, and worked for the 5 states livestock auction, and drove an escort vehicle for Willie Sanford. They worked a ranch for 18 years for Hugh Pogue and Sam Edmondson and later for Bill and John Doherty. He loved working outdoors and his therapy was cutting wood. He enjoyed working on the ranch where his God given talent was being on the caterpillar building dams. Joe took pride in his work. His hobbies were barb wire and arrow head collecting, welding art work and sitting on the front porch in the shade enjoying the day. He loved his personalized vehicles and had a passion for antiquing and auctions. We are going to miss all of his jokes. Dad always took us on vacation and visited relatives. He made sure we knew the basics of life. He taught us how to change a tire and how to change the oil. He bought us all sewing machines, most importantly he taught us how to appreciate and be thankful for the simple things in life by playing with us. Joe was preceded in death by his grandmother; Agatha Montoya, Step-father; Ray Padilla, Mother; Lucy Padilla, sister; Beatrice Aragon, brother; Joe Louis Padilla, father-in-law; Eno Sanchez, mother-in-law; Adela Sanchez, brothers-in-law; Raymond Sanchez, Manuel Martinez, Nestor Cordova, Sisters-in-law; Adelina Armijo and her husband Arthur and Gloria Espinoza.

SURVIVORS:

WIFE: Teresina Montano of Clayton, New Mexico.

4 DAUGHTERS: Priscilla McLeroy of Angel Fire, New Mexico, Levina Herr and her husband Ronald of Amarillo, Texas, Kathryn Montoya of Raton, New Mexico and Lucinda Avila and her husband Mark of Des Moines, New Mexico.

1 SON: Joe Montano and his wife Carolyn of Clayton, New Mexico.

Grandchildren: James McLeroy, Kathleen McLeroy, Andrew Herr and his wife Kaili, Anthony Herr, Angelique Herr, Kayla Montoya, Shane Montoya, Jay Dylan Muse, Brittany Davidson and her husband Zac, Cutter Davis, Felysse Montano, Tanner Montano, Ady Avila and Molly Avila.

Great-Grandchildren: Abran Herr, Andre L. Montoya, Audrey Herr, Harlen Herr, Ali Herr, Angel Vidal Montoya, Adrian Sanchez, Lennox Muse and Avery Davidson.

2 Brothers: Toby Padilla and his wife Teresa and Floyd Padilla and his wife Maryann.

3 Sisters: Marie Miera and her husband Arnold, Bertha Padilla and Corrine Trujillo and her husband Eddie.

Brothers-in-law: Eloy Gonzales and his wife Gloria, Bennie Sanchez, Daniel Sanchez and Charles Espinoza.

Sisters-in-law: Beatrice Martinez, Lillian Cordova, Eloise Sisneros and her husband George, Carmen Sisneros and her husband Johnnie and Sandra Padilla.

And numerous nieces and nephews.

MEMORIALS: The family asks that in Lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Joe Montano Scholarship fund at Farmers and Stockmans Bank, PO Box 488, Clayton, New Mexico 575-374-8301.