Jose Carmelo Tamayo

July 16, 1950 – November 21, 2022

The Tamayo Family sadly lost the patriarch of the family on November 21, 2022, in Las Cruces, NM after a short illness. Joseph Carmelo Tamayo was born July 16, 1950, to Teresa de Jesus Tamayo. He grew up in the San Elizario community and was a member of the San Elizario Catholic Church. He served proudly in the United States Army 82nd Airborne, Green Beret, Special Forces. He was a Sergeant, fought in the Vietnam War and received numerous medals for his valor. Joseph received the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star with V Device, Army Commendation and Combat Infantry Medal.

Joseph loved his cars, but his children were the most important part of his life. Joseph has three daughters Teresa, Janice, and Angela. Each had a special part of his heart. Memories of their father are to be celebrated and shared with each other.

Joseph was preceded in death by his mother, Teresa de Jesus Tamayo in 1973 and his younger brother, Raul Lugo, Jr., in 1974. The tragic death of his mother left the responsibility of caring for the younger children to Joseph at a very young age.

Left to continue his legacy of goodness, kindness and an infectious laugh are his 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. Teresa Tamayo Henderson lives in Louisville, KY with her children Megan, Alexus, and Chloe. Janice Tamayo Guerra and her husband Jesse live in Sioux City, Iowa with their 4 children Brandon, Jesse Jr, Amelia, and Elaina. Angela Tamayo Miranda and her husband Robert live in San Francisco, CA.

Joseph leaves his siblings to mourn his passing. Luis Tamayo, Marta Pankonien, Juvenal (Morton) Ortiz, Annabelle Salazar and Sandra Williams will miss their big brother. Joseph’s 8 nieces and nephews will forever hear stories about their Uncle Joe from their parents, aunts, and uncles.

Luis Tamayo, Morton Ortiz, Jerry Alarcon, Oscar Alvarado, Billy Pankonien, and Larry Loya have the honor of carrying Joseph to his final resting place. Funeral Services, in the care of Hillcrest Funeral Home, will be Monday, February 6, 2023. Visitation will begin at 9:30am at the San Elizario Catholic Church followed by The Rosary at 10:00 and the Funeral Mass at 11:00. Burial with full military honors will be at Fort Bliss in El Paso at 1pm.