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Johnny Magallan Mata Memorial services are scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 15, at First Assembly of God, 301 N. Garden, in Roswell, for Johnny Magallan Mata, 71, of Rio Rancho, who passed away Monday, April 12, 1999 at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. His nephew, Pastor Lawrence Sanchez of The Church of God of Prophecy, in Roswell, will be officiating. There will be another memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 16, at Temple Buenas Nuevas at 119 53 3rd NW, in Albuquerque. His brother-in-law, lifetime friend, and co-Pastor, Joe S. Torres, will be officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, Albuquerque. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Jose de Jesus Mata, Jose Angel Gonzalez of Albuquerque, Pedro Gonzalez and Matthew Mata of Roswell, Johnny Mata Jr. III and Carlos Mata of El Centro, CA, Cosme Jr. and Max Mata of Montgomery, TX, Prospero Garcia Jr. of Watauga, TX, and nephew, Leroy Sanchez. Johnny was born February 8, 1928 in Sweethome, Texas to Jesus Garcia Mata and Norvetta Reyes Magallan, both whom have preceded him in death as well as his wife, Teresita Sanchez Torrez. They were married 47 years, until she passed away on their anniversary, December 28, 1997. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Frank M. Matta and Cosme M. Matta; sisters, Jerry Sanchez, Delores Flores, Sabina Gonzalez, and Blacita Sanchez. He married Margarita Alcala in Abilene, Texas, November, 1998. Other survivors include four daughters, Eva Carrasco, Theresa Mata, Mary Ann Del Real and her husband, Martin of Roswell and Norma Garcia of Watauga, TX; sons, Johnny Mata Jr. and his wife, Hermelinda of El Centro, CA and Cosme Mata of Montgomery, TX; 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Johnny came to live in Roswell in the mid 1940s around the age of 12 from Texas with his parents who founded Temple Hermosa on Matthews St. He attended and graduated from the Latin American College in Isleta, Texas. Throughout the years he had always been involved with the church and serving God. He retired from the New Mexico Military Institute after working there 14 years. He also retired from the University of Long Beach in California in 1990, after 22 years. He and Theresita founded and was the Pastor at Temple Buenas Nuevas in Albuquerque, which was their lifetime ambition. A special thanks to Margarita who was only married to dad a short time. She helped him through a rough time; and grandson, Matthew Mata who was his right-hand man, until he went to be with the Lord. The family invites all family members and friends, and acquaintances to accompany us in memory of their loved one. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Youth Alive, c/o Church of God of Prophecy, 2322 N. Sherman, Roswell, NM 88201. Burial arrangements by Direct Services, 2919 4th NW, 343-8008.
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