Tom N. Rivera

Tom Navarette Rivera was 78, was a longtime resident of Pecos, Texas. He passed away on February 26, 2024, in Pecos, Texas.

Tom was born in Van Horn, Texas to Jose and Rufina “Ruth” Rivera on Dec 20, 1944. He went to school in Balmorhea and Kermit, Tx. Tom was married to Anita Aldaz Rivera.

Tom enjoyed life to the fullest and was loved by so many, especially his grandchildren. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, loved country riding and listening to music and loved doing karaoke, but his first love was his wife Anita, which he called “My Angel”. No matter where or what, Tom always made sure that everyone was always having a good time! Before retiring, Tom was employed by the City of Pecos as a Parks Superintendent, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Director of the Pecos Main Street. He was a proud veteran serving three tours in the Vietnam War and retiring from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 2. During his service in the Army, Tom received numerous awards, including a Bronze Star Medal / Meritorious Service Medal / Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster / Good Conduct Medal w/Clasp, Bronze, 4 Loops / National Defense Service Medal / Army Service Ribbon / Overseas Service Ribbon w/Numerals 3 / Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal / Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars-Republic of Vietnam. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans and a member of the Pecos Voluntary Fire Department.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Rufina “Ruth” Rivera, brothers, Manuel Rivera, Gilbert Rivera, Joe Rivera, Joe Lewis “Corky” Rivera, Bobby Rivera, Bill Rivera and one sister Alice Rivera Torrez.

Tom is survived by his wife Anita Aldaz Rivera, and his children, Thomas Joe “TJ” Rivera, Rick-Teresa Rivera, Ruby-Adam Guillen, Tommy Rivera, and step-children, Pat-Lupe Villanueva, Hector-Irma Perea, Prissy-Darrell Cross, Tina-Donald Monus, and Becky-Michael Cota. Two brothers, David-Stella Rivera, and Danny-Vickie Rivera. He is also survived by 18 grandkids, 20 great-grand kids, and 1 great-great-great-grand child and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Pecos Funeral Home from 11:30 am to 9 pm with Rosary at 7 pm on Monday, March 4, 2024

Military Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5 at the Santa Rosa Catholic Church with Father Jose de la Cruz Longoria of Santa Rosa Catholic Church officiating and Severo Jr. and Becky Jaquez as church delegates. There will be no cemetery burial.

Pallbearers will be the members assigned by the 22nd Chemical Co out of Fort Bliss Casualty Office in El Paso, Texas and Honorary Pallbearers will be grandchildren, Anthony Guillen, Michael Guillen, Jacob Cross, Jacklyn Casey, Brandon Avila, and Joshua Avila.

The family of Tom Rivera wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the doctor, nurses, and staff at Reeves Regional Health Hospital and Father Jose de la Cruz Longoria.