Fred S. Peña, age 94, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, April 20th, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his family in Bayard, NM. Fred was born on December 26th, 1927, in Dwyer, NM before settling in Bayard, NM where he built his house that he shared with his late wife, Geneva Leyba Peña.
He and his wife were blessed with a daughter, Esther and, later, two granddaughters: Taneil and Dawndarie. He married the love of his life, Geneva Leyba, on April 28th, 1951, in Hurley, NM. He started his carrier working at the Deming Airbase as a sheet metalist working on B52 bombers. After many years of working as a tailing foreman for chino mines which was later bought out by Phelps Dodge, he retired in 1995 and continued his construction work, building houses and many other buildings around Silver City, Bayard, Hurley, Mimbres, and Lake Roberts.
He also enjoyed camping, hunting, spending time at his cabin which he built in Lake Roberts and taking his granddaughters around the country in his motorhome every summer. He was a good friend to many and well-respected in the community. Many will remember his sense of humor and never forget his hard work.
His daughter will miss her hunting partner and the best dad ever. He taught her how to shoot, gut and cook up a good Bambi.
His granddaughter, Taneil will miss his phone calls. He always said, “howdy, neighbor” and she always replied, “howdy, cowboy”.
His granddaughter, Dawndarie, will miss his kind and loving heart, humor and him singing to her.
He was so loved and will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his daughter, Esther Peña and husband Tommy, of Las Cruces, NM; granddaughters, Taneil Tanuz and husband Julian, of Albuquerque NM, Dawndarie Lopez and husband Josh of Las Cruces, NM; along with 7 great grandchildren: Nathaniel Rodriguez, Jeremiah Lopez, Brandon Lopez, Jovan Torrez, Gilbert Barela, Emalyn Velasquez and Joshua Salas.
Serving as Pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren: Nathaniel, Jeremiah, Brandon, Jovan, Gilbert, and Emalyn. Honorary pallbearers are his great-grandson, Joshua; Godsons, David Marquez, Nabau Parker; and brother, Guillermo (Willie) Peña.
Services will be held on Friday, April 29th, 2022, at 11:00 am at Baca’s Funeral Chapel, 3805 Delk Dr., Silver City, NM 88061 followed by his burial in Deming, NM at Mountain View Cemetery, 3410 E Pine St., Deming, NM 88030. Officiating is Deacon Art Gutierrez.
We, his family, hope you will be able to join us in celebration of his life on Saturday, April 30th, 2022, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at Mingo's Party Place, 1207 Tom Foy Blvd, Bayard NM 88023.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Fred Silva Peña, please visit our floral store.