- Date Of Birth: June 9, 1931
- Date Of Death: November 21, 2015
- State: New Mexico
Jose Blas Gutierrez Nevarez, 84, longtime area resident passed away Saturday November 21, 2015 at his home in Columbus
Jose Blas Gutierrez Nevarez was born in Asencion, Chihuahua, Mexico on June 9, 1931. His parents (deceased) were Juan Gutierrez and Guillerma Nevarez. Times were not easy as his parents tried their best to provide love and sustenance to the family. Blas had to go to work at a very early age, becoming an apprentice telegrapher and Morse code operator with Mexican Federal Telegraphs right after elementary school.
This job, which he had for 20 years, took him around the Mexican Republic. In 1953, he married his beloved wife of 49 years, Evangelina Renteria Hernandez. They settled down in Nuevo Casas Grandes, where 5 of their 6 children were born. He led the life of a committed worker, family provider, and excellent sportsman, excelling in all of these. It was in bicycling where he won many trophies and excelled at a very competitive state level. He also excelled at various sports, including baseball, where he was a member of various championship teams at the local level. Other sports he participated included handball and basketball. Later in his life and for many years he sponsored and managed local baseball teams that won awards and recognition for his community throughout the area.
Following a dream to provide their children the best education possible and a better life, Blas and Eva Gutierrez moved to the border town of Palomas, Chihuahua in June of 1965. They built and managed a movie theater, “Cine Variedades” and he also managed the Palomas gas station. In 1967, they decided to start the “San Jose Pharmacy”. It was the only source of medical services for the town for more than 10 years until a government clinic was established. Many a life was saved by Blas and Eva’s medical knowledge, as they served the needy, entire region. For approximately 35 years, the Farmacia San Jose was a landmark in Palomas, known around the whole region, including southern New Mexico. With time, other business ventures on both sides of the border were pursued by Blas and the family members.
Thanks to Mrs. Phoebe Watson, Columbus Elementary School principal, who gave Blas’ children the opportunity to attend the Columbus School even though being from Palomas, all the children eventually graduated from Deming High School, most of them with high honors. The 6 children and 17 grandchildren have earned at least 20 university bachelor’s degrees and 3 master’s degrees, with others still being completed. The dream of Blas and Eva of a better education and life for their children has become a reality thanks to their hard work, vision, and opportunity!
Blas left this world peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on November 21, 2015, surrounded by all his siblings at the family home in Columbus. He is survived by his 6 children: Jose Luis Gutierrez and wife Nieves of Palomas (Jose Luis, Salomon, Marcella, grandchildren), Roberto Gutierrez and wife Isabel of Columbus (Blas II, Eva Lucia, Roberto Jr.), Ricardo and wife Maria of Columbus (Mireya, Ricardo Jr., Angela), Lourdes Espinoza and husband Eddie of Deming (Alejandro, Monica, Elsie), Patricia Aguirre and husband Hector of Columbus (Hector Jr., Lorena, Patricia Jr.), Salvador and wife Dalila of Columbus (Diego, Mariel).
There are also 12 great-grandchildren that will miss him dearly. (Blas III, Sahir, Evita, Mauricio, Jose Luis Jr, Brianna, Jade, Logan, Hailey, Metzli, Abraham, Damian). Blas leaves behind 3 brothers and 1 sister. Jesus (Asencion), Ruben (Palomas), Juan Cruz (Deming), and Manuela (El Paso). He also leaves numerous family members, in-laws, and friends who truly love and respect him.
