Johnie R. Blea

Johnie Richard Blea passed from this world and stepped into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on September 9th, 2023, in Albuquerque, NM. He passed away at home with his beloved wife and eldest son by his side. He was born in Oatman, Arizona to Johnny and Frances Blea. Johnie was the second of eight children.

As a child he traveled with his family as they followed the crops and picked cotton in California and throughout the American Southwest. While in High School he was on the Rio Grande High School track and golf team.

Johnie was married to his high school sweetheart Esther Rachel Blea for 41 years. Together they had 5 children. Esther passed away in June 2001.

Johnie served 30 years in the United States Air Force attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. While in the Air Force Johnie received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with three Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Campaign Medal. He served three tours in Vietnam and at various other postings in Southeast Asia and the United States.

After retiring from the Air Force, he served another 20 years with the United Postal Service in San Antonio, TX. Johnie then graduated from the Hispanic Baptist Theological Seminary in San Antonio, Texas and was an ordained minister of the gospel.

In 2005 Johnie married Rebecca Martinez and they remained happily married until his passing. Rebecca brought 4 adult children and numerous grandchildren into the marriage. Between them Johnie and Rebecca have 28 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Johnie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He dedicated his life to God and his family. He loved to read and study his Bible and was a faithful and loyal servant of the Lord. He was a dog lover all his life and was always willing to take in a stray. He was a patient man and had a dry sense of humor and quick wit, he loved people and made friends everywhere he went.

Johnie loved to sing, and his favorite styles of music were Mexican corrido's, country & western, and Christian music. He loved to do word search puzzles while relaxing at home, watching old Westerns and Science Fiction movies & TV series. He enjoyed collecting toy action figures from his favorite shows and gathered a collection of well over 500 figures. He was actively involved in the children's ministry in the churches he attended. He crocheted and created ceramics, winning various local art contests throughout his years. He was also a big fan of technology and loved to buy gadgets for himself and his family.

Johnie is preceded in death by: His parents Johnny and Frances Blea, his first wife Esther Rachel Blea, his younger brother Donnie Blea, and his sister Lucy Tapia.

Loved ones left to cherish Johnie's memory are: His loving wife, Rebecca M. Blea of Albuquerque; son Richard A. Blea of Albuquerque; daughter Rachel Blea Schieck (Russell) of Toledo, Oregon; daughter Ruthann Elaine Blea of San Antonio, TX; son Daniel A. Blea of TX; son Joel N. Blea (Janette) of Xenia, Ohio; daughter Joanne E. Lujan of Albuquerque; son George V. Martinez of Farmington, NM; son Gerald S. Martinez (Bernie) of Farmington, NM; daughter Janet Y. Daniels. Johnie also leaves behind sister Pearl Archibeque; brother Charlie Blea (Irene); brother Tony Blea (Andi); brother Joe Blea; brother Jesse Blea; numerous nieces, and nephews as well as multiple friends whom he loved.

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