Verne Lee Lucero, Jr.

Verne Lee Lucero Jr., after a short illness, passed away on July 15, 2025. He was born on January 15, 1957, to Verne Sr., a prominent state and national Albuquerque, New Mexico, Spanish Colonial Santero, and Mary Rose Apodaca of Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Verne Jr. graduated from Española Valley High School in 1974 and later attended DeVry Tech Trade School in Phoenix Arizona. Verne majored in Electrical engineering. His professional journey was marked by numerous accomplishments, including his pivotal role in correcting the electronic breaches that led to the worst and most deadly prison riot in the country, at the New Mexico Maximum Security prison in Santa Fe. His dedication and expertise in his field were truly remarkable.

Verne's deep love for the outdoors was a defining part of his life. The landscapes of northern New Mexico were his sanctuary, where he found peace and joy. Whether fishing or hunting, he felt most at home in nature. His profound connection to the environment was evident in his readiness to lend a hand—known by many as a jack of all trades and a dependable neighbor, Verne made it a point to help those around him with quiet strength and selflessness.

Verne Jr. was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. His love for life, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His role as a father and grandfather was not just a title, but a testament to his love and dedication to his family.

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mary Rose Lucero, step-mother, Christie Lucero, niece, Denette Gallegos, nephews, Dennis Gallegos, Jr. and Johnathan Abeyta. He is survived by his father, Verne Lee Lucero Sr., children, Gregory Scargall, Gavin Lawrence, Ashley Lawrence (Jesus), Amanda Lawrence (Nick); grandchildren, Maya and Prescott Scargall, Aurora, Veronica, and Fiona Gonzalez, Jazmine and Sunny Narvaiz, brothers, Zacary Lucero, Eric Lucero; sisters, Debra Gonzalez (Tom), the Honorable Angela Gallegos, former Probate Judge (Dennis), Lenora Jeannie Crow, (William); many nieces and nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the beautiful Historic San Isidro Catholic Church - 3694 Agua Fria St., Santa Fe, on August 6th, at 2:00 p.m. Burial to follow at San Jose Cemetery in La Cienega . We welcome all who knew and loved Verne to join us in celebrating his life.