Alamosa resident Lt. Colonel Randy Velasquez, 49, passed away December 17, 2017 in Germany. Randy was born on November 7,1968 in Alamosa, Colorado, the son of Jim Velasquez and Dorothy Valdez. Randy lived an extraordinary life and achieved many honorable accomplishments. Randy graduated from Centennial High School in 1987, after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and attended college at Norwich University in Vermont. Randy received his Bachelors degree in Biology from Adams State University in 1992. Randy also enlisted and served in the United States Marines, where he received commission as a Second Lieutenant in August of 1992. Randy went on to pilot training on T-34 airplane and CH-53E in Florida and Texas. Randy got his wings on May 5, 1995.

Over the next 18 years , Randy attained progressively responsible positions at a variety of duty stations throughout the United States, Japan and Germany. He reached his most current Rank of Lt. Colonel in 2015. Throughout his career  he was involved in many exercises, and projects with focuses worldwide. He was most honored to work with, mentor, and learn from fellow Marines. He retired from the Marine Corps n 2016 and resided in Houston, Alaska. Randy was a member of the American Legion in Wasilla, Alaska and the V.F,W. He enjoyed going hunting, fishing, outdoor sports and spending time with his family and friends. Randy made sure he never came upon a stranger. Randy will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but made sure he lived to the fullest.

Survivors include his mother Dorothy Valdez of Pueblo, CO; father Jim Velasquez of San Acacio, CO; mother of his children Jill Reay of Germany; daughter Ellie Velasquez of Colorado Springs, CO; son Jonathon (Amanda) Velasquez of Honolulu, HI; two grandchildren Zyden Banister and Kyzyn Velasquez both of Honolulu, HI; sister Jamee Velasquez of Pueblo, CO; half brothers Kyle Herring and Eric Herring both of Grand Junction, CO; maternal grandparents Mary and Frank Valdez of San Acacio, CO. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Randy is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Margarito and Eulalia Velasquez.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church in San Luis. Interment will follow at the San Acacio Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Caden Daniel C/O Bree Daniel American Legion Post #35, 5050 Tweed Court, Wasilla, AK. 99654. The care of arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of San Luis.