Teodoro A. "Ted" Lucero, 90, of Manzanola, passed on August 27, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Teodoro was born in Las Vegas, NM on February 15, 1930, a son of the late Maria (Crespin) and Victor Lucero.

Teodoro married Virginia Martinez on January 11, 1950 in Raton, New Mexico. Virginia was the love of his life and they were married for 70 wonderful years. They were blessed with and proudly raised six wonderful children.

After nearly 40 years with the Pueblo Army Depot, Ted retired in 1986. During his time there, he received numerous awards of recognition and was known by his co-workers as "Smiley."

When he was younger, he loved deer hunting and making jerky with his brothers. He had excellent carpentry skills and could always be found doing remodel work on his home. He loved watching his Denver Broncos. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family and telling stories about his childhood days growing up in New Mexico. He loved playing the guitar and singing and was known for serenading his family with "Blueberry Hill," "Okie from Muskogee" or "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights." He had a joke and a smile for everyone he met, always encouraging people to "STAY GOLD."

He was truly loved by all who had the privilege to know him, and even those who had brief encounters with him couldn't help but be drawn to his warm smile and friendly personality. He was an inspiration to his family and will be forever missed.

He was an active member of St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Manzanola until it's closing and then became a member or St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford.

Teodoro is survived by: Wife Virginia of Manzanola, Daughters Dolores (Fred) Chavez of Manzanola, Elizabeth "Lisa" Reyes of Manzanola, Sandra (Joe) Valdez of Swink, Grandson Joshua Reyes of Manzanola.

Also surviving are: grandchildren Melissa (Shannon Medina) Chavez, Dawn Chavez, Shauntel (Corey Vallejos) Reyes, Julian Reyes, Stephanie (Lazaro) Mendoza and Chris Valdez; 16 Great Grand Children; 4 Great-Great Grand Children; Numerous nieces, nephews and God Children who were all very special to him.

Additionally surviving are: Sister Dora Salas of Rocky Ford; Sister-in-laws Phyllis Archuleta of Las Vegas, New Mexico and Dorothy Hernandez of Lamar; Brother-in-law Alfred Martinez of Pueblo.

Teodoro was preceded in death by: his parents; Infant Daughter Judy Lucero; Children Tony Lucero, Annette Lucero; Brothers Margarito Lucero, Manuel Lucero, Severo Lucero, Victor Lucero; Sisters Alice Salazar, Rosie Morales, Genevieve Garcia Sister-in-law Rosemary Lopez; Mother-in-law Angelica Martinez; Father-in-law Juan Martinez; Brother-in-laws Richard Martinez, John Martinez, Nick Martinez, Ernie Martinez, Juan Archuleta and Alonso Hernandez and Son-in-law LeeRoy Reyes.

A Viewing will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1st with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 PM both at the Ford - Ustick Funeral Home in Rocky Ford, CO. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 2nd at Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.