Johnny Socorro Basquez, born September 24, 1936, in Trinidad, Colorado, passed away after a long and brave battle with cancer on July 29, 2015, in Springfield, Colorado.
Johnny was raised in Kim, Colorado. He was born to MaClovia and Carmel Basquez, whom he predeceased along with one brother Roger, two daughters, Stephanie and Marcelina, and two sons Miles-Keith and Socorro Basquez.
Johnny enlisted in the United States Navy when he was 18 and proudly served his country for 4 years. After the Navy he worked mainly construction all over Colorado. Eventually, Johnny attended the Police Academy in Trinidad, Colorado, and later became the Chief of Police in Walsh, Colorado in 1987.
When Johnny's father became ill, he moved to Denver to help care for him. While there, he was hired as a Peace Officer with Adams County. He then retired in 1998 and moved to Springfield where he resided until his death.
While living here, his favorite pastime and passion was high school sports. He was the Springfield Longhorn's #1 fan. He rarely missed games. His favorite, of course, was basketball. Over the years he watched many students play and he would cheer them on. He watched many of the student athletes grow up and become young adults. He will hold many of them in his heart forever.
Johnny also had a passion for growing a garden each year. It was his pride and joy and he always made sure he grew enough fruits and vegetables to share with family and friends.
The most important thing in Johnny's life was his lady, his children, and his brothers and sisters. Johnny's family and friends meant the world to him!
He is survived by his wife, Linda Joyce; his son, Troy (Claudia) Basquez; daughter, Millicent (Jorge) Gonzales; step-daughters, Christine (Mark) Martinez and Carmen Vigil; step-son, Jody (Diane) Vigil; brothers; Mareos (Kathy) Basquez, Tommy (Diane) Basquez, Louie (Sandy) Basquez, Matthew (Emily) Basquez, and Carmen (aka Bug) Basquez; sisters, Linda Basquez and Veronica Cash.
Johnny had 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, 10 step-grandchildren, 5 step-great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces along with his special brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
He loved and cherished each and every person in life completely with is huge heart! He will be missed dearly.