Gilbert Lucero Moreno

Gilbert Lucero Moreno, 58, of Yuma, Arizona, formerly of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away while working in Guam on July 18, 2026.

A U.S. Army veteran, Gilbert served during Operation Desert Storm alongside his uncle, Tio Pepe (Jose Moreno). He cherished scuba diving and loved sharing stories from his adventures.

He is survived by his only son, Sean Moreno, and daughter-in-law, Koddi Moreno; grandchildren Bennet and Maeve Moreno of Los Lunas, New Mexico; his father, Antonio Moreno; his three sisters, Yvonne Moreno, Cyndi Nieuwenhuis, and Annie Moreno; brother-in-law Robert Nieuwenhuis; nephews Anthony, Matthew, and Andrew Nieuwenhuis, and Tyrone Knox, all of Arizona; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lydia Moreno, of whom he always spoke with great fondness.

Gilbert was a man of quiet strength who always put family first. He showed up for those he loved, often sacrificing his own ambitions and putting their needs ahead of his. Known for his calm demeanor and huge, capable hands that could fix just about anything, he was often the steady voice of reason people naturally gravitated toward. He led by example, hardworking, generous, and always ready to lend a hand. He made exceptional salsa, was a great dancer, and had a sharp, playful sense of humor. He deeply desired connection with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, visiting as often as life allowed, and will be profoundly missed by everyone whose life he touched.

Born in Silver City, New Mexico, and delivered at Hillcrest Hospital by Dr. Hamm and Dr. Arizaga, Gilbert grew up in the Bayard area and commuted to Silver City High School. He played saxophone in the high school band, an instrument passed down from his Tia Rosie and later restored by family friend Compa Ralph. He treasured memories of hunting with his dad and family friends in the hills around Silver City and enjoyed bow hunting and the outdoors throughout his life.

In high school, he and his father restored a 1967 Ford Bronco purchased from the Jaramillo family. They rebuilt the engine (a 268 with new crankshaft, pistons, and camshaft), manual transmission, and later the front end while Gilbert was deployed. Upon his return from Desert Storm, they had it painted blue in Las Cruces with redone upholstery.

He played saxophone with the NMSU band during his freshman year but set aside those dreams to focus on raising his son. He married his high school sweetheart, Laura Brannan, and they welcomed their son Sean before later divorcing. Gilbert never remarried and worked hard, sacrificing much of his own path to ensure Sean was well cared for.

A devoted father, Gilbert provided steady support throughout Sean’s life. When Sean lived with him during high school, Gilbert reinforced strong moral values, encouraged his passions for swimming and agriculture, and attended Catholic church with him. During this period, Gilbert returned to school and earned his engineering degree from NMSU while Sean was also attending. When Sean graduated in 2012 and moved to a job in Hereford, Texas, Gilbert supported him through that transition before accepting his dream position as an engineer at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) in 2013.

Gilbert thrived in his engineering career, spending 13 years in Yuma, including time in the Tropics Testing division, and purchasing a home there. He found new love with Tawnja Turner and spoke warmly of their time together and shared vacations. When the opportunity arose to work in Guam while already on assignment in Panama, he embraced it, doing what he loved when he passed.

Gilbert lived a beautiful life defined by quiet strength, unwavering love for his family, and the simple joys of being outdoors and working with his hands. His presence, wisdom, and generosity left an indelible mark. He will be deeply missed.

Services A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew’s Church in Sierra Vista, Arizona, followed by burial at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery near his mother, Lydia. The date and time are still being finalized. Arrangements are being assisted by Hatfield Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Harrell, Eddie Esqueda, Thomas Maddox, Michael Gonzales, Robert Nieuwenhuis’s, Anthony Nieuwenhuis, Matthew Nieuwenhuis, and Andrew Nieuwenhuis. Honorary pallbearers are Antonio Moreno, Jose Moreno, Vicki Moreno, Yvonne Moreno, Annie Moreno, Cyndi Nieuwenhuis, Tyrone Knox, Anthony Rios, Amber Gonzales, Koddi Moreno, Bennet Moreno, Maeve Moreno, and Sean Moreno.

Gilbert’s favorite color was purple. Attendees are warmly invited to wear whatever they feel comfortable in to celebrate his life.

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