Eugene Belcher

"The Colonel" as he was endearingly referred to by his family and friends, was a true patriot who devoted much of his life to the defense of our country and was considered the original "Officer and Gentleman." Gene was the young Lieutenant stationed at White Sands Missile Range when he first met and fell in love with his future wife, Merlinda, a student attending NMSU.

As a husband, Dad, and Grandpa, he was always there to provide support, stability, guidance, and most importantly, unconditional love for his family. For sixty years he was a companion and lover to his wonderful wife, Merlinda. He was role model to his children, an inspiration to his grandchildren, and was particularly proud of the legacy that he left behind-three beautiful and intelligent granddaughters, and two grandsons, both graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point and US Army Ranger School. As a bonus, he also has a daughter-in-law who is a West Point and Ranger School graduate.

His grandchildren and their educational accomplishments were definitely his pride and joy. Alejandra and Ariana Gallegos both graduated from very prestigious universities. Alejandra from Emory University with her Bachelor's Degree and then from the University of Miami with a Master's Degree. Ariana graduated from Duke University with her Bachelor's Degree. The youngest grandchild, Sydney Taylor is well on her way to graduating with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Arizona.

During his 26-year military career, he served with honor and distinction. He was stationed throughout the US and abroad, serving combat tours in Korea and Vietnam. Throughout his career, he was awarded numerous awards and honors. These decorations include, the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Vietnamese Service Medal, RVN Cross of Gallantry w/Palm Device, RVN Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), National Defense Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Good Conduct Medal, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Supervisor Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.

After retirement from the military, Gene joined BDM Corp. in Albuquerque, NM where he served as a Program Manager. He later joined his great friend and colleague, Ed Romero at Advanced Sciences Inc. (ASI) where he served as Assistant VP and as President of ASI International. He later joined Hotel and Resort Management Operations with his son-in-law, Michael Gallegos, President and CEO, Pacific Pearl Hotels and Resorts. Gene provided to be a very accomplished General Manager, succeeding at the three hotels he oversaw. In the private sector, Gene was extensively involved in many political and civic activities.

To his friends and colleagues, Gene was a man of principle, honesty, and enormous integrity, a man of his word, and a positive and gregarious personality. The camaraderie he shared at the office, on the golf course, on a hunting trip, or in a cantina over a shot of tequila, will be missed by all but never forgotten.

Gene is survived by his wife, Merlinda; his son, Randy Belcher-Torres and wife, Josefina; daughter, Rhonda Gallegos and husband, Michael; daughter, Liza Taylor and son-in-law, Tony Taylor; stepsister, Barbara Joe Papadopoulos; and five grandchildren, Troy Taylor and wife, Brittany, Kyle Taylor and wife, Mary Grace, Sydney Taylor, Alejandra Gallegos, and Ariana Gallegos; as well as many relatives and great friends. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and traveled through life with him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. The Burial Ceremony will take place at 12:45 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe NM 87501. A Reception will follow at 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Agave Restaurant, El Dorado Hotel, 309 W. San Francisco St., Santa Fe, NM 87501.