Charles "Tusa" Lucero died peacefully at his home on Thursday August 15, 2014. He was born on July 20, 1931 to Joe F. Lucero and Mary M. Lucero and was raised very closely by his Grandparents Pedro and Rosa Lucero.
He lived his life in Alamosa, graduating from Alamosa High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army from July of 1949 to June of 1953. He Married Betty Valdez in November 1955 and had 6 children. Most people remembered him as the "Coke Man!" He worked and managed the Alamosa Coca Cola Bottling Company for 26 years. He switched from soft drinks to beer when he began working as the delivery man for Coors for 10 years. He retired from Coors and started selling burgers at the auctions with his life long buddy Dan Rios. Tusa enjoyed his life to the fullest. He loved his children whom he played both mother and father to after the death of his wife. He enjoyed dancing and singing with his many musically inclined friends. His favorite pass time was gatherings with his family and friends where they could all share in a "cool one."
He is survived by his children all from Alamosa Charles (Lisa) Lucero, Damian Lucero, Charlyne (Johnny) Lucero, Mark (Natalie) Lucero, Susie Lucero, and Crestina Lucero. Grandchildren Lenora Hijar, Nadine, Melissa, Michelle, Johnny, Jacob, Joseph, Kristen, James, Adrien, Brian, Irma, and Kiera Lucero and 11 great grandchildren. Siblings Beatrice Lucero, Regina (Tom) Bechtold, Loretta (Eddie) Salazar, Judy (Boni) Romero, Eleanor (Dave) Chandler and Ralph (Kathy) Lucero. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Tusa was proceeded in death by his wife Betty, parents; Joseph and Mary, grandparents; Pedro and Rosa, his brothers; Jody and Gilbert and one grandson; Steven.
A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Tuesday August 19, 2014 at 7p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 10 a.m. also at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Internment will follow services at the Alamosa Cemetery with military honors.