Rodolfo Filemon Arguello

Rodolfo Filemon Arguello passed away on February 20, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 19, 1938, in San Acacio, Colorado to Ophelia Arguello and Pedro Olivas. He was adopted and raised by his maternal grandparents Jose Encarnacion and Eufemia Cordova Arguello, and his loving aunts. He graduated from Centennial High School in 1956 and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 12, 1956 from the enlisted rank, he was selected and attended Officer Training School. He retired after 22 years with the rank of Captain. He served in Korea, Germany and Vietnam during his time in service. While he was in the service, in spite of his grueling schedule, he managed to earn three college degrees, a BA in business administration from the University of Nebraska, a master’s in public administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1975 and a Doctorate in administration and management from Columbia Pacific University in 1989.He also had many credentials from the Department of Defense’s schools and from the FAA where he earned a private pilot’s license. After retirement from the Air Force, he served with the Department of Defense throughout the country and the world, in various capacities. During his long military and civil service career, Rudy was supported by his loving wife, Casilda “Casey” for 64 years. They were married July 18, 1957, in San Pedro, Colorado. They had two sons, Daryl and Arlen, Air Force “brats” who traveled all over with their parents. When Rudy retired from civil service they moved back to San Pedro, Colorado where he designed and built their retirement home. He continued to serve his fellow veterans by joining and leading the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion Post in San Luis, Colorado for many years. His favorite job was helping fellow veterans apply for benefits they were entitled to, and among the many he helped, most of their applications were approved. In April 2004, Governor Bill Owens appointed him to serve on the Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs. In April of that year the Senate confirmed his appointment, making him the third San Luis Valley resident to sit on the board. Rudy also believed in helping his fellow man, and when he believed in something he acted. He was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Elks, The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Served as Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6101. He also loved children and, if asked, strived to help good men become better. He became a Brother Mason and ascended to the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He was an active member of the Al Kaly Shriners whose fundraising efforts help children in need worldwide. All of these Orders, Brotherhoods, Fraternities and organizations are guided by pillars of and principals that promoted character traits that helped all, making good men better. Rudy is survived by his wife Casey, son Arlen, daughter-in- law Loretta, grandsons, Joshua and Tomas Arguello, brother-in-law Edmundo (Sue) Martinez, Gilbert T. (Darlene) Arellano, sisters in law, Glenda (Gilbert) Arellano, Susie (Dave) Brown, Maria C. Martinez, adopted neighbor daughter Eileen (Steve) Maestas, and sister Pressie (Al) Medina, numerous nieces, nephews and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his son Daryl, his mother Ophelia, grandparents Encarnacion and Eufemia Arguello, his aunts Elsie, Valentina, Angelica, Delfina, Teodora, and Mabel. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a private family funeral will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2021, at the Sangre de Cristo Church in San Luis, Colorado, with rosary beginning at 9:30, and mass beginning at 10:00 a. m. Interment will follow at the old cemetery with full military in San Acacio, CO. A celebration of life is planned for this summer, God willing, in July, also in San Acacio. Mass will be live streamed The family would like to thank Costilla County EMT’s, for their fast response, Father Sergio Robles of Conejos who met us at the hospital, and all the people who have called to offer help and condolences. We appreciate you very much. Arrangements are in care of Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa, Colorado

Rodolfo Filemon Arguello

March 13, 1938 - February 20, 2021