Deacon Reynaldo Alfonso Cordova passed away on September 20, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in Rainsville, N.M., November 21, 1939 to Alfonso and Flora Cordova.
He attended Mora High School to 1958. He volunteered to serve his country through the U.S. Navy. He was part of the Drum and Bugle Corp. While in training in San Diego, he was assigned to serve aboard the USS Estes AC-C-12 where he was a machinist mate, caring for refrigeration and evaporators and the machine shop. In 1960 he was transferred to overseas shore duty in Japan, and Taiwan as shore patrol. He was honorably discharged April 1962. In August of that year he married the love of his life Evelyn Pacheco. He retired from Luna Community College where he worked as the Auto Mechanics Instructor and Director of Trades for 27 years. In 1992 he dedicated his life to God by being ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church. He was originally ordained at Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas, he transferred to Immaculate Conception where he worked as the Parish Coordinator in Wagon Mound at Santa Clara Parish. From there he transferred to Saint Gertrude's Parish in Mora where he served until his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Cordova and his baby daughter Evelyn Cordova. He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn Cordova and his children Ray Cordova Jr. of Rainsville; John Cordova (Michelle), of Las Vegas, NM; Wayne Cordova (Patty) Las Vegas, NM; Monica Romero (William) Mora, NM; Paul Cordova (Kiki) of Rainsville, N.M. He is also survived by 12 brothers and sisters; Frank Cordova (Darlene) Edgewood, NM; Lillian Cordova, Alb. NM; Johnny Cordova (Gina), Alb., NM; Rosie Serna, Morphy Lake Canyon, NM; Dora Cordova, Ledoux, NM; Frances Archuleta (Bernie), Fairview, NM; Tony Cordova (Tammy), Nampa, ID; Carlos Cordova (Darla), Reno, NV; Jerry Cordova (Jennifer) Fallon, NV; Joseph Cordova, Silver City, NM; Pete Cordova (Jolene), Deming, NM; Alfonso Cordova (Pattie), Rio Rancho, NM. Ray's grandchildren are Steven Cordova, Amber Elliott (George), Gabrielle Cordova, Brian Cordova, Nathaniel Romero, Antoinette Romero, Kaitlyn Romero, Natalia Romero, Briana Martinez, Robert Martinez, Vanessa Padilla, Frankie Griego and Francisco Gallegos. Great grandchildren are Vylette Houk, Jeanette Houk, Hailey Elliot, Steven Cordova, Matthew Sandoval, Allison Foster, Calvin Foster. Pallbearers are Nathaniel Romero, Reggie Sanchez, Francisco Gallegos, Tony Cordova, Frankie Griego, Steven Cordova. Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Cordova, Thomas French, Frank Cordova Jr., and all of his grandchildren. Rosary will take place on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Gertrudes Parish. Mass of Christian burial will be on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with internment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rainsville, N.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Avenue Las Vegas, NM. 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.