John Lucero Obituary

CMSgt. John L. Lucero, Sr., USAF (Ret.), 77, transitioned from this life to the next on Sunday morning, January 15, 2006. A 30-year veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and retired employee of the State of Colorado, John's death is looked upon as a Permanent Change of Station, awaiting his family and loved ones in Heaven. John and his surviving spouse of 52 years, Cati Lucero, traveled all around the United States and Europe until his retirement from the Air Force in 1975. His foundation as a career soldier taught the family to cherish each other, family, and friends. He modeled a spirit of hospitality that all who knew that this family witnessed. John's employment with the State of Colorado as a Driver's License Examiner taught the family that life could be humorous as well as precious. Like many who attempt the drivers road test and are not well prepared, life many times finds us with people who are not well prepared to live life to its fullest… yet are still in the driver's seat of something unique, powerful, and potentially dangerous; their own independence. Yet, with proper guidance and a little help, even the worst driver can learn to be safe and respectful. This paints a picture of John and Cati's commitment to others. They mentored those who lacked experience and developed in them the skills necessary to maneuver life more effectively. Settling in Colorado Springs in 1973, John became a Life-Member of TREA, The Retired Enlisted Association (Chapter 1), Disabled American Veterans (Post 26), The Knights of Columbus (Chapter 183) obtaining the rank of 3rd Order, and was a member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. He is survived by his wife, Catalina Lucero; sons: Vern (Vanessa) O'Loane of Bangor, Maine, John (Karen) Lucero, Jr. of Wichita, Kansas, Richard (Amanda) Lucero of Colorado Springs, Robert (Sherri) Lucero of Aurora, Colorado, and Steven (Julie Jones) Lucero of Colorado Springs; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; brother, Gilbert Lucero of Billings, Montana and sister, Barbara Sweeney of Afton, Wyoming. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Judith Fair; brothers: Joe Lucero, Felix Lucero and Tony Lucero; sister, Carmel Spencer; and parents, Agapito and Ana Padilla Lucero. A visitation will be held at Shrine of Remembrance on Thursday, January 19, 2006 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 20, 2006 at St Mary's Cathedral, 22 W. Kiowa. Burial with full Air Force Honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon reception will be held at 12:30 p.m. at T.R.E.A., 834 Emory Circle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave Suite 600, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903 on behalf of his grateful family and friends who were recipients of their loving kindness and support during the last 18 months.