Jose Ernesto Serna

Jose Ernesto Serna passed away Monday morning, April 8, 2013 at 5:03 a.m. in Bloomfield. He was born Sept. 19, 1924 at McNairy, Texas, to the proud parents, Casimero and Francisca Serna.
He grew up in Kermit, Texas until he was called to service in 1943, during WWll. He served in the Air Force in England until he was honorably discharged on Nov. 29, 1945.
Jose then attended Texas Western College, later changed to UTEP, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. He then worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a principal-teacher until he retired in 1976.
Jose was very active with serving Saint Mary's Church in Bloomfield. For his outstanding service, Father Dan Daley named him, "The permanent honor and title of First Honorary Deacon of Saint Mary's Church."
Jose was also very active with the Farmington Knights of Columbus for 59 years. For his outstanding service, he was inducted into a rare honored group of Knights called the "Hall of Fame."
When his wife died, he formed a group in her honor known as "Cecilia's Rosary Makers." Through his leadership, the group sent thousands of rosaries around the world to groups like the military, prisons, and various religious groups. He was also active in the Boy Scouts, Catholic youth groups and youth shelter.
Jose's favorite pastime was bowling. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and long walks to daily mass at Saint Mary's Church in Bloomfield.
Jose was preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia M. Serna; parents, Casimiro and Francisca Serna; son, Johnny Serna and a daughter, Cecilia A. Serna. Also preceding him in death were two brothers and four sisters (He was the baby of the family).
He is survived by his children, Helen Harmon (Israel Garcia), Jose A. Serna, Mary Serna (Ron Armstrong), Margaret Brown (Darrell Brown) and Juanita Serna; five grandchildren, Cecila Gunnell (Billy Gunnell), Michelle Givens (Kerry Ackerson), Paul Harmon (Cassandra Harmon), David Brown and Rachel Brown and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Jose will be 6 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 307 N. Church St. in Bloomfield.
Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. at the church following the visitation.
A mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Father Bob Matheiu celebrant.
Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Jose's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688.