Esteban O. Herrera

Steve O. Herrera age 70, resident of Santa Fe, NM passed away Sunday February 3, 2019. Welcoming him into Heaven are his parents Arturo and Tomasita Herrera; brothers Freddie and Donald Herrera; sisters Norma and Debbie Herrera and beloved cat Booka. Steve is survived by his wife Patricia Herrera; Son Stephen Thomas Herrera (Velma), grandsons Matthew Thomas Delgadillo and Aram Noah Herrera and many more loving family members.
Steve served honorably in the US Army as a Military Policeman for 5 years and then moved on to the New Mexico State Police where he served the state of New Mexico for 29 years and retired as a Captain in the Narcotics Bureau. He was publicly recognized for his work and accomplishments on the 1980 NM prison riot investigation as well as his many drug seizures. He held many positions in the State Police including the Uniform Bureau, Governors Security Bureau, Criminal Division, Special Operations and the Fleet Bureau. After retiring from the NMSP he worked at the Valles Caldera Preserve as a hunt manager/coordinator. He loved being around all the hunters and assisting them in any way he could. He loved the Valles Caldera and enjoyed the land and his co-workers. Steve also on occasion worked as security detail during the legislative sessions at the New Mexico State Capitol.
He was a real cowboy who enjoyed working with cattle and horses and truly loved the rancher’s life. He was an avid outdoorsman who thrived on being in the wilderness whether it was hunting, camping, fishing or just hiking. He took many of his family members on his outdoor excursions and created lasting memories and life lessons for all. His favorite motto was “Confidence is silent and insecurity is loud”.
Steve always commanded a presence any time he would enter the room whether it was his heavy starched-military creased pants/shirt, spit shined boots or sweet smelling cologne accompanied with his warm smile, he would light up any venue.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, February 8th,2019 followed by Mass at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Agua Fria St. The family will inter Steve’s cremains at a private ceremony on a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that a donation to the following “gofundme” be made in Steve’s name: www.gofundme.com/nancys-journey-to-defeat-cancer
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the following:
Tomasita with Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care and The Cancer Care team at the Presbyterian Cancer Center in Rio Rancho.
Honorary Pall Bearers: Anthony Lucero, Mark Romero, Fernando Herrera, Marc Anthony Romero, Aaron Romero, Vince Dominguez.