A proud U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, Arturo returned home and built a life of hard work, service, and community. He worked as a power ground mechanic at White Sands and Ft. Bliss and retired after many years of dedication. He was always the one that neighbors could count on to get an engine running again.
Arturo will be remembered not only for his service and craftsmanship, but also for his strong presence. He rarely missed a Dallas Cowboys or L.A. Lakers game, and his family will fondly recall his spirited commentary—sometimes louder than the announcers themselves. He loved fishing, storytelling, and would entertain his friends and family with tales and jokes of yesteryear.
His grandchildren knew he enjoyed giving advice on how to play dominoes, A Ticket to Ride, and which card they should choose for the next play in Solitaire.
Arturo was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the V.F.W., where he found deep friendships and was often the one keeping old stories alive with warmth and humor.
Arturo was preceded in death by his loving wife, Emilia C. Carbajal, siblings Vicente Montoya, Pedro Gandara, Josefina Ponce, Nemecio Gandara, Nemecio Norberto Gandara, Rosa Irma Chavez, and Ruben Enrique Gandara. He is survived by his sons, Arturo Jr., Richard, (wife Catherine) and Mario (wife Niki), daughter Sylvia Muñoz (husband David); nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, his sisters Ruth Vasquez, Elvira Guerrero, Vera Yanez, and Emma Del Valle and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel Central (Martin Funeral Home) 3839 Montana Ave. El Paso, Texas 79903. Memorial mass will be Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at St Pius X Catholic Church 1050 N. Clark Drive El Paso, Texas 79905 with interment to follow in Fort Bliss National Cemetery 5200 Fred Wilson Rd. El Paso, Texas 79906.
