This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Parra, Martinez, Marquez, Silva Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5203/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Emilio M. Parra, age 85 of Las Cruces and formerly of Mesquite, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at the Las Cruces Nursing Center surrounded by his loving daughters. Emilio was born May 22, 1925 in San Miguel to Francisco and Hortensia Martinez Parra. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy during WWII as a Seaman First Class. He received his Associate Degree in carpentry from New Mexico Highlands University; retired from the Sanitation Department at White Sands Missile Range, and was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Those left to mourn his passing included his three daughters; Clara Betancourt, Gloria Quintanilla (Manuel) and Genny Provencio (Tony) all of Las Cruces; one brother, Frank Parra, Jr., (Gloria) of Mesquite; six grandchildren, Joey, David, Erika, Patrick, Angela and Marisa; eleven great-grandchildren, Cameron, Jocelynn, Carlos, Anthony, Justine, Adrian, Elijah, Makayla, Emma Rose, Anthony and Jaeden, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Maria Marquez Parra in 2006, son, Emilio Arturo Parra, a brother, Andres Parra, and a sister, Julia Silva. Visitation for Mr. Parra will begin at 6 PM Wednesday, February 23, 2011 in Baca's Chapel of Prayer, 300 E. Boutz Road where the Prayer Vigil is scheduled for 7 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church, 1178 N. Mesquite Street with the Reverend Ricardo Hinojal Celebrant. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. Military honors will be accorded by a U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League - El Perro Diablo Detachment. Serving as casket bearers will be Miguel Silva, Danny Parra, David and Joey Betancourt, Anthony Carrillo and Patrick Quintanilla. Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on February 22, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.