Lewis Reyes Vigil, Jr. "Punkin", age 71, died Sunday, November 17, 2013 at his home in Clayton, New Mexico.

Visitation was held on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hass Funeral Home in Clayton. Rosary was recited at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 23, with Mass of Christian Burial followed at 2:00 PM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton, New Mexico with Fr. Joel Bugas, Celebrant. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.

Fondly nicknamed and known to family and Clayton friends, "Punkin" was the first of six children born to Ione (Reed) and Lewis R. "Red" Vigil. He was born in Santa Maria, California, but the family was native to the Clayton area. His mother's family came to the area with the Santa Fe Trail, while his father's family were ranchers near Bueyeros and who were direct descendents of the original successful 1695 Spanish settlers of the New Mexico territory, Juan de Jesus Montes Vigil.

Punk spent his childhood playing baseball and concentrating his historical interest on WWII, its military personnel, campaigns, and it s tanks, ships, and especially its airplanes. Until the time of his death, Punkin's memory was sharp as a tack: he hardly ever forgot a name, date, or even the tiniest details of the people throughout his studies, experiences, politics, or of his family and friends.

He played many roles in his life, spending several years as a New Mexico National Guardsman. As the last active true sign painter in Clayton beyond Dudley Perrett - his mentor, Lewis designed and painted many business signs in the area. Among those was Union County Leader's sign and header. And I bet you didn't know that Lewis was the creator and artist of the famous red, white, and blue XIT logo which is instantly recognized across Texas and neighboring states. He transitioned into new areas of art that sent him back to school and kept him on his knees—he began to paint gym floors all over New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He was widely regarded as "the best of the best." He definitely was a man whose life was defined by his work!

Punkin is survived by one aunt, Nellie Reed Will of Albuquerque, NM, by his five siblings (listed with spouses): Jerry R. Vigil and Pam of Albuquerque; Cheyrl and Joe Archuleta of Rolla, KS; Jo Beth and Carl Price of Clayton; Annette Vigil and James Dominic of Pojoaque; by Jeannette and Keith Barras of Los Alamos,NM, and by his children Matthew Vigil of Amarillo, TX; Mark Vigil of San Antonio, TX; Marissa and Richard Broyles of Amarillo, TX; and by Mary Tess Vigil, of Amarillo. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Too numerous to mention by name, there are many, many cousins, nephews, and nieces whom he knew and loved.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Red and Ione, and by his partner of many years, Dottie Scoggins.

Pall Bearers for his service will be Keith Barras, Adam Barras, Alex Archuleta, Ken Corson, Eddie Will, and Billy Maltbie. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Carl Price and Jerry Phillips.

Punkin will be remembered by all for his quick wit, helpfulness, and affable smile. He's gonna be missed, folks. He's gonna be missed!