Chris Olivas

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, at St. Anthony Catholic Church for Chris Olivas of Belen.

Olivas, 44, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, in Belen.

Fr. Francis Lazer will officiate the services, with interment of ashes to follow at Woodbine Cemetery.

A rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony.

Chris was born Feb. 9, 1980, in Artesia to Errmilo and Patricia Ann (Herrera) Olivas.

He was a loving man who loved his children and family. He was very proud of Melina and Micah, whether it was academically or in sports. Chris would always keep Grandpa Milo and Grandma Pat updated on all their activities and accomplishments.

Chris enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially when they involved his Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Yankees, Nebraska Cornhuskers or Tottenham Hotspurs.

He attended high school in Artesia and was an integral part of two state football championships and one state track championship. He went on to play football for New Mexico Military Institute and Eastern New Mexico University, where he obtained a degree in criminal justice. He later received a master’s degree in education.

When Chris visited Artesia from his home in Los Lunas or Belen, it would take him about five hours to get here because he would take the “scenic route” between Vaughn and Roswell and would never drive over the speed limit.

Survivors include his beloved children, Melina and Micah; parents Errmilo and Pat Olivas; brother Adrian Olivas and wife Shana; nieces and nephew Caiya, Cati, Calina, Amala and Benjamin Olivas; grandparents Alejandro and Juana Olivas; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and his cherished dog, Kobe, and cat, Cosmo.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Luis and Geneva Herrera; and brother Jacob Olivas.

Chris is now with his baby brother and his Grandma and Grandpa. Our dad, son, brother, grandson, nephew and uncle will be greatly missed, and we will never forget him and the many memories he has given us.