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Jose Nestor Aragon, 84, a longtime resident of Las Vegas, NM passed away early Sunday, October 27, 2002 following a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Candelario and Epifania Aragon; brothers, Vicente, Napoleon, Rubel and Ben; sister, Henrietta; and grandson, Jose Nestor Aragon. Surviving is his beloved wife of 62 years, Margaret Aragon; daughter, Susan Valdez and husband, Dick; son, Dr. Steve Aragon and wife, Dr. Lydia Roybal-Aragon; grandchildren, Ted Valdez and wife, Charmaine, John Valdez and wife, Kathy, Katrina, Steven A. Aragon, Stephanie Buford and husband, Steven, Carlos Aragon and Lara Aragon. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Shawney Buford, Lena Valdez, Sharlise Buford, Styles Buford and Valerie Valdez; as well as his brothers, Arthur and Mike Aragon; sisters, Carmen Ulibarri, Molly Vigil, Mary Quintana, Pauline Lamb, Angelina Vigil and Bella Aragon. Mr. Aragon was a WWII Veteran having served in the US Air Force. He received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from NM Highlands University. In his 31 year teaching career, he taught in the Mora and San Miguel County School system. He was also an elementary school principal for the Las Vegas City Schools at Commerce Elementary and Mora Avenue Elementary. He earned the respect of his follow colleagues and the influence he instilled in so many of his students will be long and lasting. His professional participation included life membership in the National Education Association, NEA New Mexico, state and local retired teachers associations and served as president of the East Central District Assoc. of NEA New Mexico, for which he was awarded the association logo pin. In 1980, he was selected Administrator of the Year by the Las Vegas City Education Association. Mr. Aragon was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and Elks Lodge #408. His hobbies included gardening in his beloved San Ignacio, carpentry, brass work, fishing and oil painting. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2002 from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Funeral Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2002 also at Immaculate Conception Church, Father Vincent Chavez, Celebrant. Interment will follow the Mass at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, time pending. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Ted, John, Steven, Stephanie, Carlos and Lara. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jose Nestor Aragon Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund at New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM 87701. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home, 505-425-6551 or toll free, 1-877-542-2421.
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