Photos by Marie Mccolm Funeral services for William ‘Bill’ James Lucero, who passed away suddenly on Jan. 9, 2024, at his home in Pagosa Springs, were held Saturday, Jan. 20, in Monte Vista. Bill was born in May of 1964 at Monte Vista Hospital. William ‘Bill’ James Lucero was laid to rest at the Homelake Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 20. Lucero graduated from Monte Vista High School. He served in the Marine Corps. William ‘Bill’ James Lucero dedicated over three decades of his life to law enforcement, serving with various agencies in Colorado. He worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant at the Monte Vista Police Department. At the time of his passing, he was an Archuleta County Sheriff's Office deputy.

MONTE VISTA — More than 300 people attended services for long-time law enforcement officer William “Bill” James Lucero on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Monte Vista High School and Homelake Cemetery. He passed away suddenly on Jan. 9 at his home in Pagosa Springs at the age of 59.

He was born on May 9, 1964, at Monte Vista Hospital to Joe and Erlinda (Manzanares) Lucero. He is survived by his parents, his children — Chance, Kohbe, and Isabella Lucero; his brothers — Anthony Lucero and Danny Lucero; his sisters — Judy Lucero and Jeanette [Randy] Martinez; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

His educational journey began at Monte Vista Elementary School, where he later graduated from Monte Vista High School. After completing high school, Bill went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1984-1988.

Lucero dedicated over three decades of his life to law enforcement, serving with various agencies in Colorado. He worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant at the Monte Vista Police Department, continued his service as an Officer at the Town of Pagosa Springs Police Department, and became a Deputy for the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA) commissioned by the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office. Afterward, he worked as a Lieutenant for the Southern Ute Police Department and was a member of their SWAT Team, a Deputy for the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office, the Chief of Police for the Center Police Department, and a Deputy for the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office and Archuleta County Sheriff's Office, where he concludes his service.

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, a final patrol was also held for Lucero as the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office escorted his body on US Highway 160 from west to east through Pagosa Springs. The public was invited to attend and view the patrol from the main street in downtown Pagosa.

Lucero’s son Kohbe said that he remembers his dad always laughing, always lighting up any room that he went into, and always talking to everyone wherever they would go. Kohbe said that when he and his brother Chance, and sister Isabella would go anywhere with their dad, they already knew to be prepared to meet new people, because everyone knew, and loved their dad.

“There were always at least two people dad would stop and talk to,” Kohbe said. “Dad was known everywhere. I remember him always laughing, and he loved helping everyone. That was just dad. Those are the things I remember most.”

On Saturday, Lucero’s coffin was covered with a large United States flag at the MVHS gymnasium as approximately 300 people gathered to remember and say goodbye to Lucero. A beautiful prayer, and beautiful law enforcement prayer were both read before the service.

A special rendition of “One Day at a Time,” was sung in Spanish at the service. Two Veterans also saluted Lucero and said a special farewell.

Kohbe spoke at the funeral, talking about how his dad was in the United States Marine Corps. Luceo’s family also spoke about him, asking that everyone keep Lucero’s children in their prayers. They also read a special poem to him. A special friend of Lucero’s also spoke about heartfelt memories that he had with Lucero near the conclusion of the service.

At Homelake Cemetery the Color Guard gathered, and Lucero was given a full military salute.

Kohbe said, “He was a funny guy, he looked so stern, but when you would talk to him, all he would do was crack jokes. We will miss him dearly. Until we see you again dad…”

For more information or to see the live stream of the funeral, visit Mountain Valley Mortuary online.