Although it is with sadness that we say farewell to our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Guillermo M. Aceves, we know that he is now rejoicing in eternal life in the presence of the Lord and all the family that preceded him.

Guillermo Martinez Aceves was born June 11, 1934 in Mesilla Park, NM to Pablo and Merced Martinez Aceves. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 8, 2017. His early childhood was spent on the family farm in Mesilla Park. He joined the US Army in 1956 and was stationed in Germany and also served in the National Guard when he returned home to Las Cruces. After returning home he married Genevieve Robles and started raising a family. He worked at White Sands Missile Range and retired from WSMR after 34 years of service.

Willie, as he was fondly known, enjoyed watching Westerns and spending time with his family. The daily visits from the newest members of the family, his great-granddaughters, Mikaela and Izabel, brought him happiness and smiles, as did visits anytime from any family and friends. He was a life-long motivated self-taught learner and took many correspondence courses in various interests including upholstery, electronics, woodworking, photography, mechanics and locksmith, to name a few. He was very devoted to the Virgen De Guadalupe and prayed faithfully for her intercession and God's protection and help for himself and others.

In his younger years he enjoyed traveling and taking the family on vacations and outings at the lake and the river. In the last few years he enjoyed his computer and the doors it opened for him including Netflix and YouTube which provided him with the endless Westerns, music and family photos he enjoyed with just the click of a button. Most recently he discovered the "magic" and independence of on-line ordering and the joy of the UPS guy or mailman knocking on the door to deliver a package.

Guillermo is survived by his children Benjamin Aceves, Lupe Aceves Gonzalez (Ruben), Rachel Ochoa (Jackie), Rebecca Castillo (Alex), Mary Helen Trejo (Joe), and Joe Fred Rigales. Also surviving him are his sister Guadalupe A. Sanchez and his brother Raymundo Asebez, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his beloved wife Genevieve Robles Aceves, his sons, Willie "Billy" and Michael Aceves. Also preceding him were his siblings, Candelaria, Amalia, Daniel, Pablo and Valentin Aceves.

Prayer service and visitation are scheduled at Getz Funeral home on Monday, October 16, 2017. Visitation will be at 5-7 pm then the Holy Rosary prayer service begins at 7 pm. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Genevieve Catholic Church on Tuesday October 17, 2017 at 10 am with Fr. Narciso Rivera officiating. After Mass the burial service will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Pall bearers will be JD Valenzuela, Johnny Castillo, Joey Trejo, Christopher Ochoa, Sarah Aceves, Nicole Aceves, Joe Trejo and Freddy Rigales. Honorary Pallbearers are Benjamin Aceves, Ruben Gonzalez, Jackie Ochoa and Alex Ayala, all his grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Following the burial service, family and friends are invited to gather for a pot-luck lunch at the VFW, 2001 N. Mesquite, Las Cruces, NM, for fellowship and sharing of happy memories. If you wish, you are welcome to bring any favorite dish or desert you would like to share as we gather for our last "Adios" and farewell to Willie , --- until we meet again…..
Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Oct. 15, 2017