Austin Fernando (Ford) Romero

On Dec. 7, 2021, Austin Fernando (Ford) Romero entered the gates of heaven. Austin was born Jan. 27, 1948, in Arroyo Seco, N.M., the oldest sone of Juan I and Manuelita (Sanchez) Romero.

Austin attended elementary and middle schools in small rural towns in New Mexico and Colorado and graduated high school from Sargent High School in 1966. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for 3 years, spending 2 years in Germany where he was able to travel and see a lot of Europe. He was also a member of the National Guard SLV Medical Unit.

He married the love of his life, Patricia Hegan on Feb. 14, 1971. They spent 50 years together. He was a Master Electrician and was well known for his excellent work. He knew the Valley the back of his hand and would always comment about all the houses and sprinklers he had wired.

His spare time was spent playing his guitar, banjo and mandolin and was learning how to play hymns on his resonator which he jokingly called his respirator. He did not get to play his guitar which was a gift from his wife for their 50thanniversary.

He played his guitar while his wife played the piano at church. He made a joyful noise to his Lord and Savior who he had known since the age of 10. He read the entire Bible several times throughout his life and loved the book of Psalms.

He was not blessed with children, so his dogs became his children, especially his collies.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and photography. With his illness in the past 4 years, his comment was always, “God is in control, so I have nothing to be worried about.” In the last few weeks of his life, he said he wished he could go to sleep and wake up healed. Well Brother you got your wish as you woke up in our Savior’s arms.

He was preceded in death by a younger sister and brother, who died in infancy, his parents, aunts, uncles, and beloved cousin Archie.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, brother Steve (Toni) of Monte Vista, Colo., his sister Bernice (Frank) Martinez of Brighton, Colo., his beloved-dog Rowdy, and his much-loved younger self-adopted brother JJ Hostetter.

A special thank you to Joe and Maria Lopez for all the help they have provided over many years, a better friend is hard to find.

Cremation was chosen and burial will be in Arroyo Hondo, N.M., with full military honors at a later date. Services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16, at Church of the Nazarene.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Romero Funeral Home of Monte Vista.