Jose "Bennie" Benito Lucero

Jose Benito “Bennie” Lucero, age 90, of Castle Rock, Colorado passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Bennie was born on March 21, 1935, in El Chorro, New Mexico, the son of Salvador Lucero and Eulalia Roybal-Lucero. Bennie married Clora Martinez-Lucero on February 19, 1955, and they celebrated 69 years of marriage together before Clora’s passing in February 2024.

Bennie grew up as a true cowboy before moving to Las Animas, Colorado, in 1954 working in skilled trades on the Fort Lyon canal as a heavy equipment operator, foreman, and later worked as a carpenter and a skilled handyman until his retirement. Bennie loved the outdoors, was a friend to many in the Las Animas and La Junta area, and he was known as an avid wrestling fan.

Bennie is survived by his children Danny Lucero of Loveland, CO, Mable Van Maldeghem and husband Todd of Castle Rock, CO, Bennie Roy Lucero and wife Dorene of Castle Rock, CO, Gina Byargeon and husband David of Toccoa, GA, and Bernie Lucero of La Junta, CO; 15 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. Bennie is also survived by his brother Alex Lucero and wife Donna of Las Animas, CO.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents Salvador and Eulalia, his brothers Arsenio, Henry, and Jeff, and his sisters Ophelia, Anastacia, Stella, and Evangeline.

A visitation for Bennie will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104, with a time for sharing of memories from 2:00-3:00 PM. A reception for friends and family will follow at Mable's home following the visitation services at the funeral home.