John Christopher Tafoya Jr.

John C. Tafoya, 96, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Friend, went peacefully to his heavenly home, on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026 to be reunited with the love of his life, Levina Mae Tafoya. They were married for 63 years before her passing. He was born in Trinidad, Colorado on January 12, 1930 to his parents, John C and Anita Tafoya. He fondly recalled growing up in Trinidad with his cousins and family. As a young boy and teenager, he spent many summers with his uncle in the mountains hunting and chopping wood where he learned the value of working hard.

In 1951, at 21 years of age, John was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War until 1953, when he was Honorably Discharged. Serving his country was one of the proudest moments of his life. He often told stories that were burned deep in his memory that left his loved ones astounded at the dangers and bravery that he and his fellow soldiers experienced.

After returning from his military service in 1953, he moved to Pueblo, Colorado to work at the Colorado Fuel and Iron. He retired from the CF&I after working there for 30 plus years, and also retired from the Target Warehouse after 9 years. In 1957, he moved into an apartment building with his family and met his future wife, Levina, “Love,” who lived in the lower level of the same building. They dated for two years before marrying on December 13, 1959. In 1964, he and Levina built a home where they lived and raised their family for 59 years. John believed in strong work ethics and he was a wonderful provider to his family, and generous with helping others.

John developed many interests and hobbies throughout his lifetime. He loved working on cars, and tried his hand at playing the guitar. He loved Johnny Cash music, and named himself “Johnny Broke.” He was very good at doing word ciphers and enjoyed taking care of his lawn. After his retirement, he and “Love” went bike riding on the bike trails throughout Pueblo, and they both enjoyed fishing at Lake San Isabel.

John gave his life to the Lord at 27 years of age. He was a member of Full Gospel Christian Assembly and served as a board member, and deacon. Family and friends have described him as a pillar of faith and a man who never

changed. He was a beautiful spirit who touched many with his love, knowledge and faithfulness. He was a loyal husband and a devoted father. He treasured his special moments with each of his grandkids.

He is survived by his four daughters Valerie (Curtis) Radford, Cindy (Don) Backus, Jeanette (Dan) May, and Althea (John) Bryant; nine grandchildren,

Twila (Alec) Bernal, Celeste (Daniel) Sandoval, Jonathan (Vanessa) Guardado, Starla (Brennan) Courtis, Nicholas, Janae (Johnny) Lisby, Jacob, Elianna and Gabriel. He has seven great grandchildren, Isabella, Nevaeh, Azariah, Maggie, Cypress, Kaia and Helix. He was preceded in death by his wife, Levina, his parents, Reverends Anita and Abram Cruz, his father, John C. Tafoya, Sr., and his cousins who he regarded as sisters, Alice and Frances.

The celebration of John’s life will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 11 am at Full Gospel Christian Assembly, 1101 East 7th Street, Pueblo, CO with refreshments following the service. The graveside service will be held at Imperial Gardens, 5450 Highway 78 W, Pueblo, CO at 2 pm.