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Joe L."Buster" Lente, a native of Isleta Pueblo, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2003, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lillian Lente of Albuquerque; Son, Leonard Lente and wife Nancy of Isleta; Daughter, Joanne Lente of Los Lunas, New Mexico; Grandson, Kevin Lente and wife Susie of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Granddaughter, Kim Artman and husband Rick of Moriarity, New Mexico; Four Great-Grandchildren, Alex, Courtney and Brannan Artman of Moriarity, New Mexico and Daisy Lente of Rio Rancho; Brother, Alfred Lente and wife Wanda of Isleta; a Special and dedicated niece, Verna Fender and husband Jim of Albuquerque; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Buster was preceded in death by his mother, Theresa Lente of Isleta Pueblo; sisters, Julia Culver, Eleanor Jojola, Carlota Jaramillo, Margaret Tabet, Erma Lujan and brother, John C. Lucero. Buster proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Army. He enlisted on August 1, 1942 in Santa Fe, New Mexico with Co. E, the 180th Infantry and was a Tech 4. He was discharged honorably on July 3, 1946 from Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. Buster received the good conduct medal, victory ribbon, 1 service stripe campaign ribbon with 4 bronze stars, 1 bronze arrowhead, campaign ribbon, Army of Occupation ribbon and 6 overseas service bars. He served in Naples, Sicily and Rome. Buster was faithful and honest to his country. After his discharge he attended and completed accounting courses and Business Administration at Albuquerque Business College. He retired from Kirtland Air Force Base on December 1979. Buster traveled frequently to Italy with his wife. He enjoyed bowling, gardening, hunting, working with his computer and visiting with family and friends. Buster was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, and in his earlier years, as a young man was, an alter boy at St. Augustine Church, Isleta Pueblo. He was a past member of the V.F.W. Post 401 and a member of the Italian Club and the Coronado Club, Kirtland Air Force Base. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and the many friends who loved him. Rosary will be recited Tuesday, March 11, 2003, 7:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas NE. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 12, 2003, 9:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Road NE, 87112. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, New Mexico. with military honors by American Legion Post 22. Presentation of the American Flag will be to Lillian Lente. Pallbearers will be Kevin Lente, Robert Mitchell, Mike Baca, Randy Austin, Rick Artman and Pete Bachechi. Honorary pallbearers will be Vernon Fender, Jim Fender, Alfred Lente, Greg Culver and Michael Baca. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Tuesday, March 11, 2003 from 6:00 p.m. to time of rosary. In lieu of flowers, donations in Buster's memory may be made to the World War II Memorial, P.O. Box 96074, Washington D.C. 20090-6074. Buster's entire family would like to give a very special thanks to Quality Continum Hospice and Denise, Daisy, Sam, Tim and Envencio for their very special help and care given to him. French Mortuary Lomas Blvd. Chapel 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE
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