Emilio Merced Florez

Emilio Mercede Florez, 21, of Blanco, was taken home by our heavenly father Sunday, June 18, 2017, in Fort Stewart, Ga. He was born Dec. 27, 1995, in Farmington.

Private First Class Emilio was a U.S. Army Infantryman assigned to Company B, 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 2014. Emilio loved participating in sports, hunting, hiking, fishing, and camping. He never met a stranger he couldn't make friends with or make laugh. Emilio's laughter was contagious and his smile will be remembered forever.

Emilio was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chris and Vera Prespentt and Jose M. Florez. He leaves behind his wife, Larissa J. Chavez-Florez; grandmother, Florence Florez; parents, J. Steve and Dolores Florez; siblings, Steve J. (Miranda) Florez, James A. Florez, Carlos M. (Michelle) Florez, Ramon M. (Marie) Florez, Laura A. Rodgers, J. Roseann (Earl) Muniz, Marco T. (Felicia) Florez, P. Luke Florez, John P. Florez and Rebecca O. Florez. He also leaves behind 17 nieces and nephews to whom he was a mentor, brother and best friend.

A rosary will be recited for Emilio at 7 p.m. Monday, June 26 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 7378 U.S. Highway 64 in Blanco. A Mass of Christian Burial for Emilio will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 27 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Blanco followed by internment at the Santo Nino Cemetery in Gobernador, N.M. officiated by Rev. Father James E. Walker. Reception to follow internment at St. Mary's Parish Hall, 307 N. Church St. in Bloomfield.

Emilio's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.