On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the greatest man we will ever know, our Father and Papo, Sam Bejarano, of Artesia, took our Grama Jane’s hand as she led him through the gates of Heaven.
Papo Sam was born Nov. 29, 1932, in Marfa, Texas, to David Valenzuela and Rosa Garcia. He was 87 years old at the time of his passing into eternal life.
Together, he and his wife of 60 years, Jane, raised their family in Artesia.
Papo enjoyed a long career as a heavy equipment operator for Navajo Refining Co., retiring in 1991 after many years of service, lastly as a crane operator.
Among his favorite hobbies were attending Bulldog football games, tending his animals and lawn, going to First American Bank on Fridays for popcorn, and watching his grandkids. He was a member of the ASPCA and was named Head Start Volunteer of the Year when his grandson, Elijah, attended there.
He was always taking the kids to go on errands with him and ending the trip with a treat. He never met a stranger. We are so proud and thankful for him. He took care of our Momma until her last breath, and he is now enjoying his reward with her.
Papo and Grama were strong believers in Christ, and having passed that belief on to their family, we are greatly comforted he is reunited with her and other saints who have gone before us, and we look forward to our Heavenly reunion.
Papo leaves behind his loving family: daughter Olga Miranda; sons Oscar, Sammy Jr., Jeffery and Israel; daughters in love Felicia and Sarah; grandchildren Ceara Miranda, Laura Bejarano and Sammy Bejarano III of Las Cruces, Lucas Bejarano of Albuquerque, Clarissa Bejarano and Azharae Lopez of Aurora, Colo., and Elijah Miranda, Tasha Bejarano, Dominic Bejarano, Allie Bejarano, Steven Bejarano, Stephanie Bejarano, Samantha Rubio and Sonny Gonzales of Artesia; siblings Daniel Bejarano, Gabino Bejarano Jr. and Esperanza Marquez of Artesia, and David Valenzuela Jr., Delia Garcia and Delma Marquez of Fresno, Calif.; great-grandchildren Kadijah, Diamond and Victor of Aurora, Colo., and Amillah, Anayeli, Adrian, Mariel, Aubrielle, Natalie, Sky, Ellie and Ava of Artesia.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, on Feb. 14, 2018; infant daughter Olga Bejarano; parents David Valenzuela and Rosa Bejarano; siblings Emma Hernandez, Elodia Rivera and Enedina Martinez; and grandchildren Jaydon Andrew Bejarano, Ysaiah Contreras and Deciderio Gonzales.
Private family services and interment will take place Friday, March 27, with a reception at noon for family and friends at 6333 Seven Rivers Hwy.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Lucas, Dominic, Elijah, Sammy III, Steven and Sonny. Honorary pallbearers are granddaughters Ceara, Tasha, Laura, Allie, Samantha, Stephanie, Clarissa and Azharae.
Arrangements are under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed online at www.
artesiafunerals.com.
