On December 7, 2021, Austin Fernando (Ford) Romero entered into the gates of heaven. Austin was born January 27, 1948 in Arroyo Seco New Mexico, the oldest son of Juan I and Manuelita (Sanchez) Romero.

Austin attended elementary and middle schools in small rural towns in New Mexico and Colorado and graduated high school from Sargent High School in 1966. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army for 3 years, spending 2 years in Germany where he was able to travel and see a lot of Europe. He was also a member of the National Guard SLV Medical Unit.

He married the love of his life Patricia Hegan February 14, 1971. They spent 50 years together. He was a Master Electrician and was well known for his excellent work. He knew the Valley like the back of his hand and would always comment about all the houses and sprinklers he had wired. His spare time was spent playing his guitar, banjo, and mandolin and was learning how to play hymns on his resonator which he jokingly called his respirator.

He didn’t get to play his electric guitar which was a gift from his wife for their 50th anniversary. He played his guitar while his wife played the piano at church. He made a joyful noise to his Lord and Savior who he knew since the age of 10. He read the entire Bible several times throughout his life and loved the book of Psalms.

He was not blessed with children so his dogs became his children especially his comment was always, “God is in control, so I have nothing to be worried about.” In the last few weeks of his life he said he wished he could go to sleep and wake up healed. Well Brother you got your wish as you woke up in our Saviors arms.

He was preceded in death by a younger sister and brother, who died in infancy. His parents, aunts, uncles and beloved cousin Archie. Survived by his wife Patricia, Brother Steve (Toni) of Monte Vista Co. and his sister Bernice (Frank) Martinez of Brighton Co. His beloved dog Rowdy and his much-loved younger self-adopted brother JJ Hostetter. A special thank you to Joe and Maria Lopez for all the help they have provided over many years, a better friend is hard to find.

Cremation was chosen and burial will be in Arroyo Hondo New Mexico with full military honors at a later date. Services were held at Church of the Nazarene Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 10 a.m.

Arrangements have been placed in care of Romero Funeral home in Monte Vista.