Our dad Jose Emilio Aragon, son of Cleofas and Liberato Aragon, was born on Friday, November 26, 1943. His siblings are Joseph "Chuey" Aragon, wife Margaret both deceased, sisters Mary Jane Gutierrez, Ramona Reynolds (deceased), and Gloria Sena and her husband Leroy. Emilio was a resident of Las Vegas and Las Manuelitas de Canoncito at the time of his passing. He left this world on April 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength, tradition and wisdom, unknowingly providing words of comfort through his writings: "There is no Death...only a change in worlds".

Our dad was a "force"... strong, brave, tenacious, and a voice that couldn't be quieted.

Emilio was a graduate of West Las Vegas in 1962. In 1964 he joined the National Guard Reserves. After graduating with his BS/BA from the College of Albuquerque, he went on to obtain his Masters in Sociology from New Mexico Highlands University. He graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College. He was propelled into lifelong success as the director for the Plaggue Alcoholism Center and later became proprietor of Aragon Citizen's Insurance Agency for 35 years. He retired as Captain from the 720th National Guard and was proud to lead and serve alongside "some of the best people in the world", especially when the "elite" 720th unit was deployed to secure the Penitentiary of New Mexico during the 1980 riots. He worked in service, his entire lifetime, and was a vocal, civic-minded, Las Vegas City Councilman, and a member of the Las Vegas Hispano Chamber of Commerce. From cultural folklore to an actual yearly festival, he worked diligently to keep the legend of La Llorona alive. He held the yearly "La Llorona Festival" and "Puro Vacilón Golf Tournament". He brought vendors, artists, musicians, historians, and farmers together to promote cultural unity, bringing the residents of his beloved hometown, together. Dedicated to his writing, he wrote and published "Bridge Street", "Liberato Amado", "Bully by Privilege" and was working on his latest book, "Fire!..Brisas, Brasas y Pendejos". Our dad was never satisfied sitting still. Playing golf, meeting interesting people, reading, writing and spending time at his beloved "ranchito" in Manuelitas. A devout West Las Vegas DON, he attended every game he could, and it brings us much joy when Coaches, teachers, band members, and young athletes come up to us to say, "hey, I know your dad!". He was an absolute force of nature, fiercely protective and loyal to his family and friends, a true original and a fire that burned bright. You knew exactly what he stood for, and although our dad, Emilio is gone...His lessons and Dichos, and friendships will live on forever. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in heaven by his parents Liberato and Cleofas Aragon, His brother Joseph "Chuey" Aragon, Sister Ramona Reynolds, Nephew, Claude "Cloudy " Leger and nephew Anthony Sena, Niece Georgia Aragon Guaydacan and great niece Melissa Cota.

Those left behind to honor his memory: His former wife Imelda Aragon and his loving daughters Tanya Denise Aragon, partner Gabriel Salazar, and Michelle Elizabeth Aragon, partner J. Andrew Arellano. Beloved "Grampa" to his grandchildren Miguel Andres Arellano and fiancé' Santana Garcia and Isabella Bianca Arellano and fiancé' Kobe Romero and his great grandbaby, Saint Beau Romero.

Loving and Generous "Uncle" to Christine Coca and husband Pete Coca, Nicole Coca-Avalos and husband Benito, Sara Magaña and spouse Edgar and great niece, Luna, Suzanne Lucero Mueller and spouse David, great nieces Savannah and Megan, Miranda Herrera and spouse Adrian, Rebecca Lucero,Kathie Aragon Serna and spouse Tony Serna(deceased). Ty and spouse Brooke and great nephew Brendyn, Jeffrey Serna, Ernest "Ernie" Leger and spouse Roxanne, great niece Jean and Great nephew Jon-Claude, and nephew, Claude "Cloudy" Leger (deceased). Nieces Roberta Aragon Sobbe, Georgia Aragon Guaydacan  (deceased) spouse Rick and Lisa Aragon Gabrielson (Brian),Connie Quintana and Spouse Robert, great nephews Joseph Flores and spouse Samantha, Tyler Carlson and spouse Mallisa and Arron Carlson. Nephew, Anthony Sena (deceased).

Soar high and free, Dad -"Grampa".

Friends are invited to pay your respects Friday, May 2nd, at 9am at Our Lady of Sorrows, Rosary and Funeral Mass. Burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery and reception immediately following at the VFW in Las Vegas.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511 .

Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.

If sending the family a sympathy card via our online service you may mail it directly to the family by clicking "Send to Family Address".