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Luis Santillanes, Jr. "Papa Lou" October 9, 1928 - November 27, 2008 Luis was born to Rosa Santillanes de Martinez and Luis Santillanes on October 9, 1928 in the village of Los Tomases in Northwest Albuquerque. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1946 where he was in track and held the "Miler" record for a number of years. Luis served his country Honorably during the Korean Conflict stationed in Tokyo, Japan. Upon returning from the service, Luis met and married the former Arlene Montoya. Luis took his new bride to Los Angeles, CA where he attended Barber School. Their first son Albert was born March 9, 1956. Soon to follow were sons Arthur February 2, 1958 and then Edward May 17, 1959. Shortly after their youngest was born, the Santillanes's returned to Albuquerque to be closer to their families. They soon began to build their adobe home in the community of Alameda with their love, sweat, tears and blood and the help of their families. Arlene will continue to reside at the home built on land handed down from her parents, Alberto and Adelicia (Alice) Montoya (Tafoya). This is land that has been held in the family since 1932. Luis was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #69 and of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a retired Teamster having worked for ICX, Whitfield and ABF Freight companies. He couldn't sit still so he went back to work at St. Joseph's Hospital in the Grounds Maintenance Department. He retired for good in 1993. After retiring, Luis enjoyed his time with his family traveling to Las Vegas, San Francisco, Florida and a few cruises. Dad also enjoyed many hunting trips throughout his life with friends and family, memories that will always be cherished. Mom and dad recently celebrated their "53rd" Anniversary together. We are very thankful to have celebrated Dad's "80th" Birthday in October and especially thankful to all who were able to attend! Dad will certainly be missed by all who knew him and his humorous ways! Dad was preceded in death by his sons, Arthur in August 1992 and Albert in March 1997. He was also preceded by his parents Luis and Rosa Santillanes; parents-in-law, Alberto and Alice (Tafoya) Montoya, and Nick Tafoya; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Herrera and Edwina Santillanes; his special cousin Henrietta Smith; and by brothers-in-law, Rumaldo Armijo, John T. Roybal, Ambrosio Gonzales, and Fred Herrera. Dad is survived by mom, Arlene; his son Eddie and wife Jeri; and grandson Daniel. He is also survived by "The Daughter He Never Had", Sandra (Montoya) Benavidez and husband David; daughter-in-law, Isabel Santillanes; his brothers, William (Billy) Santillanes and wife Ellen; sister, Maria (Lala) Roybal, sister Victoria Armijo; brother, Joseph Santillanes, brother Maurice Santillanes and wife Nancy, brother Orlando Santillanes; sisters-in-law, Lydia Gonzales, Geri Lee and husband Charley; and brother-in-law (son) Andrew Tafoya and wife Kathryn. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitations will be Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary. A Rosary will be recited Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. Final Viewing will be Tuesday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services - Alameda Mortuary. Funeral Services will be conducted at 9:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Casket bearers will be Toby Pacheco, Charley Lee, Jim Roybal, Eddie Roybal, Robert Kozlowski, and David Benavidez. Honorary bearers will be Onesimo Apodaca and Mike Donahue. Also serving as Honorary bearers are his Godchildren, Philip Armijo, Fred Herrera, Jim Garcia, Rockie Roybal, Benerita Romero, Adriana Trujillo, Sandra Benavidez, Paul Montoya, Steve Gonzales and Melissa Minter. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Funeral Services are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services Alameda Mortuary 9420 Fourth Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-3160
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