Louis Fernandez

Louis Fernandez, 92, a proud United States Air Force veteran, committed husband, and man of wide-ranging talents, passed on October 12, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Born in Mexico to Eulalia Fernandez and Jose Luis Fernandez, Louis grew up in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Garfield High School in 1952, where he lettered in track and field. While attending art school in Los Angeles, he met the love of his life, Virginia Barron. They married in 1953 and soon embarked on a life of service and adventure.

Louis enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after their marriage, beginning a military career in air rescue and fire protection. His service encompassed tours in Iceland, Germany, England and Thailand during which he served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Stationed for many years at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Louis and Virginia raised their four children in a loving home enriched by a diversity of people and places. He later continued his commitment to veterans and community through active participation in the New Mexico Honor Guard. In addition, Louis’s second career included employment with The Child Care Licensing Bureau for the State of New Mexico; a career exceeding 20+ years.

Beyond his military service and civilian career endeavors, Louis lived as an artist and a scholar at heart. A self-taught classical pianist and accomplished charcoal and oil painter, he earned recognition for his artwork and delighted family and friends with an ever-expanding repertoire of classical pieces at the piano. He studied philosophy, ancient history, and the strategies of ancient warfare, and he admired the beauty and proportion of classical art and architecture. A devoted athlete much of his life, Louis was an avid tennis player who loved to compete. Louis also pursued fencing, seeking to achieve competency through formal lessons, and he took special pride in designing the Korean Memorial at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park. 

Survivors and Family:

Louis is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Virginia Fernandez; his son David Fernandez and wife Joanne; his son Manuel Fernandez; his daughter Donna L Abbott and husband Christopher; his son Louis M Fernandez and life partner Stuart Garber; his grandchildren; Joseph L Fernandez, David V Fernandez, Michael G Fernandez and Gabriela M Aguirre Fernandez; his great-grandchild; Alexandra C Fernandez and his brother Julian Fernandez. He was preceded in death by his brother Gilbert Fernandez, and is survived by nephews and nieces, Christina Fernandez, Rachel Fernandez, Diana Gregory, Yvonne Hollis, Ron (Buddy), Fernandez, Ralph Fernandez, and Julie Prado; Cousins Ralph and Nira Roldan, Lorraine and Paul Sanchez, and Rueben and wife Rosie Sandoval.

Family and friends remember Louis as a gregarious, talented and artistic man, who served his country with honor. He built a home filled with music, paintings, books, and conversation. He never stopped learning or creating.

Services:

A Catholic service with military honors will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 12:30 PM. An officiant will preside over a brief Catholic rite toward the end of the service. Address: 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

The Celebration of Life will follow at 4:30-7:00 pm on November 14, 2025, at The New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park: 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Louis’s memory to an animal shelter organization such as, Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center, Animal Humane New Mexico, City of Albuquerque West Animal Welfare Department in Albuquerque, City of Albuquerque Eastside Animal Shelter or animal shelter in your area.