Mejido Archuleta

Mejido Leo Archuleta, born March 1, 1932, passed away in the early hours of August 28, 2016. Born in Pagosa Springs, Colorado to Jake and Adella (Gurule) Archuleta, he was the third of seven children: Cleophis, Ophelia, Leo, Joe, Mary, Orlan and Cleo.

He left school to join the Army, eventually joining the Sea Bees, Navy and Air Force Reserves as well. During this time, he met Eginia Ocaňa, whom he married on June 18, 1955. Leo and Eginia moved to Utah and had five children: Patricia, Gabriel, Carolyn, Philip and David. Leo religiously attended St. Rose of Lima church in Layton, getting married and renewing his vows on their 50th anniversary to Eginia there. He was an active member of his community as a volunteer baseball coach, volunteer Clinton Police Officer, a member of Good Sam's club and Knights of Columbus.

Upon his retirement from Hill Air Force Base, he spent many years traveling with his wife, family and friends. He loved camping and fishing and was able to do both at the many family reunions he attended. He was quick to have a drink with his many nieces and nephews. With a cigarette tucked behind his ear, a toothpick in his mouth, a shot of Crown in his hand and a smile on his face, Leo will be remembered for living and enjoying life as much as he could. Leo said what he thought, did what he wanted and loved his family deeply.

Leo was preceded in death by both of his parents; his siblings Clophis, Ophelia and Orlando; and his son Gabriel. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eginia; siblings Cleo (Rudy) Hernandez, Mary (Abel) Gallegos, and Joe (Catalina) Archuleta; children Patricia (Merle) Sandoval, Carolyn (Brent) Stapley, Philip (Anita) Archuleta and David (Michelle) Archuleta; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Legacy House of Ogden and Inspiration Hospice.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 South Chapel Street, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit family Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.  A Vigil with Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.