Esequiel C. Molina Obituary (1921 - 2010)

Funeral Mass for Esequiel C. Molina 89, of Grants, New Mexico will be held on Thursday-July 29, 2010-10:00 AM at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Burial with full Military Honors by VFW Lodge 3221 will be at the Grants Memorial Park. The Very Rev. Alberto Avella will be the Celebrant. A rosary will be held on Wednesday-July 28, 2010-7:00 PM at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Esequiel "Zeke" Molina passed away Sunday evening in Grants following a brief illness. Mr. Molina was born in Seboyeta, New Mexico to Cipriano and Francesquita Molina on March 11, 1921, he was 89. Mr. Molina was a longtime resident of Grants, a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church and was retired from Homestake Corporation. He was part of the CCC prior to World War II. He served in the Army during World War II, serving under General Patton's 3rd Armored Division. Following the war, he worked at Big Joe's Lumber Company, The Post Office and Homestake Corporation. He is survived by two Sons: Robert Molina of Los Lunas, New Mexico and Thomas Molina and wife Maria of Mesa, Arizona; Three daughters: Kathy King and husband Tom of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Margaret Cruz and husband Jabez of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Kate Molina of Grants, New Mexico; Brother: Vidal Molina and wife Elena of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Grandchildren: Tommy Molina, Ian Madrid, Leah Molina, Laura King, Jeffrey King, Megan Cruz and Ethan Cruz and one Great Granddaughter: Renika Molina. He is preceded in death by his loving Wife: Rita Molina; Son: Esequiel J. Molina, Jr.; Parents: Cipriano and Francesquita Molina; Brothers: Balois Molina, Cipriano Molina, Jr., Horacio Molina, Florentino Molina, Adelaudo Molina, Benecio Molina and Frankie Molina; Sisters: Estella Vallejos and Aurora Chavez. Pallbearers will be: Jimmy Porter, Henry Molina, Phillip Molina, Danny Molina, Frankie Molina, Fred Cruz, and Jacob Cruz. Honorary Pallbearers will be: His Many Hijados and Hijadas from baptism and His many compadres and comadres from marriage.