Ben Apodaca

Ben Apodaca, 90, passed away March 2, 2015 at his La Junta home. He was born on February 7, 1925 to Vincente & Betty (Marez) Apodaca.


Ben served in the United States Army during World War II serving under General George S. Patton. He also received a Purple Heart, Bronze and Silver Star medals for his service. Ben worked at the Pueblo Army Depot for 32 years, retiring in the late 1980's. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a good friend to many; he will be greatly missed.


He is survived by his wife, Dena Salazar; daughter, Liz Martinez of La Junta; sons, Michael "Oogie" Apodaca of Security, CO, Mark Apodaca of La Junta, and Paul Apodaca of Denver; step-children, Ezekiel Ayala of La Junta and Xavier Talton of Boulder; 37 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Lou Zamora of Denver and Dorothy (Elias) Urias of Amarillo, TX; and his brother, Louie "Chico" Apodaca of Amarillo, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Julian Apodaca, sons, Greg "Grog" Apodaca and Ron "Appie" Apodaca, and his daughter Valerie "Bobbie" Apodaca.


Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


A Memorial Mass will be Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Matthew Wertin officiating. Inurnment will follow Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the Rocky Ford Rifle Team, American Legion Post #8.