Frank T. Apodaca, 88, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at La Posada -Mesilla Valley Hospice with his family by his side. Frank was born August 22, 1923 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Arturo D. and Remedios (Tafoya) Apodaca. The family moved to Sierra County when Frank was 5 years old. He grew up on a ranch in Cuchillo, New Mexico where family roots were deeply planted as owners of the local general store/mercantile and Cuchillo bar. He attended elementary school in Cuchillo and high school in Hot Springs where he was a member of FFA, played football and made All State in basketball. In 1943 he moved to Las Cruces where he attended New Mexico A&M (New Mexico State University) and met the love of his life Jeannette Hare. He was a third degree knight with the Knights of Columbus and after many years in the automobile industry, Frank retired in 1988. Frank was a man of deep faith in God, love and patriotism for his country. His family was his greatest treasure and passion and he was happy as long as his family was happy. Frank was among the classiest men you would ever meet with a heart of gold. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Inez "Nacy" Martinez. Family and Friends will be received beginning at 9 AM Friday, September 9, 2011 in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, 1240 S. Espina where the Memorial Mass is scheduled for 10 AM with Reverend Mitch Dowalgo officiating. Inurnment of Cremains will follow in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Columbarium. The family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to Dr. Louis M. Benevento, MD, Dr. Kent L. Richards, MD, Robert Navarrette, CNP, Memorial Medical Cneter, Good Samaritan Society Las Cruces Village, Mesilla Valley Hospice, and caregivers Rosa Marquez, Nellie Corchado and Paige Liebick.