Juan A. Maes

Juan A. Maes, proud World War II veteran and longtime educator died on Monday, September 28, 2015 surrounded by family. Juan was born in Wagon Mound, New Mexico to Jose Maria Maes and Emilia Espinosa Maes who preceded him in death. Juan leaves to mourn him, his beloved Emma, his wife of 64 years; his daughter, Perlinda Shelton and husband, Jim; sons, John A. Maes and wife, Rosemary, Jerome A. Maes and wife, Greta, Joseph A. Maes, James A. Maes and wife, Lori; grandchildren, Aubrey S. O'Brien and husband, Steve, Jeremy A. Shelton and wife, Kelly, John A. Maes III and wife, Joy, and Raina Lee Maes who made him happy with her greeting, "Hi Buddy"; great grandchildren, Trevor, Conor, and Emma O'Brien, Marcus, Cameron, and Kaylee Shelton, and Harmony Maes; his sisters, Frances Lopez and husband, Gus, Teresa Valdez and husband, Minder, and brother, Vicente and wife, Angelica. His brothers, Margarito, Benjamin, Orlando and Eloy preceded him in death. Juan graduated from Wagon Mound High School, served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, in Leyte and Luzon in the Philippines. Upon his return, he earned his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from New Mexico Highlands University and began his 34 year teaching career in Pecos, New Mexico and ended his career at Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute (now CNM) in 1984. After retiring he enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending several years in California where he and Emma enjoyed the many sights. The family would like to thank Dr. Sandra Qaseem; nurses, Loretta, Karen, and Alicia; caregivers, Dezaray, Lorraine, Monica, Cynthia, and Petra for all their help, care and compassion. There will be a void in our hearts and he will be loved and missed forever, but wherever he may be, we are sure he will "put a little light on the subject!" Serving as Pallbearers are his daughter, Perlinda; and sons, John, Jerome, Joseph and James.
Honorary Pallbearers are his grandchildren, Aubrey, Jeremy, John III, and Raina Lee. Services will be Monday, October 5, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd, 218 Iron Ave SW.