Raul "Oscar" Saenz

He lived a remarkable life defined by service—to God, to his country, his community, and most importantly, his family. A decorated Army veteran, devoted husband, father and grandfather, educator, volunteer, and lifelong friend to many, Oscar will be remembered for his outgoing personality, quick humor, strong opinions, generous spirit, and his remarkable ability to make a friend wherever he went.

Oscar was born March 10, 1936, to Rafael Chavez and Hermila Ortega, in the small agricultural community of Bachiniva, Chihuahua, Mexico. He lost his father to black lung when Oscar was only five years old. In January 1946, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Getrudis “Tula” and Samuel Saenz, and was raised in Silver City, New Mexico. He attended St. Mary’s Academy and later graduated from Western High School.

Soon after high school, Oscar began what would become a distinguished career of service to his country. He enlisted in the United States Army and served with an Air Defense unit in Korea. After returning home, he attended Western New Mexico State in Silver City, New Mexico, where he met Dora Lopez, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong companion.

Oscar worked for the U.S. Postal Service while also serving in the New Mexico Army National Guard. He attended Officer Candidate School and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1965. In 1967, he returned to active duty as a First Lieutenant with a U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery unit at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Later that year, as a Captain, Oscar deployed to Vietnam where he served as a Battery Commander with an Air Defense unit. He subsequently trained to serve as an advisor to the South Vietnamese forces before returning to the United States in 1968.

His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Korea, two Overseas Bars, and Expert qualification badges for rifle and pistol. He was promoted to Major following his return from Vietnam and ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while serving as an Active Reserve Officer. Oscar retired from the US Army in 1986 after 28 years of service.

Oscar’s commitment to education and public service continued throughout his civilian career. He taught at the “International Business School” in El Paso, Texas. In 1976, the family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, where Oscar became a mobile training instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base. He also served as the base’s Hispanic Equal Opportunity Officer and received numerous honors for his work, including Civilian Instructor of the Month, Civilian of the Quarter, and Instructor of the Year.

While working and raising his family, Oscar continued his own education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Midwestern State University in 1980. He remained in federal civil service until the age of 58 when he retired in 1995.

Retirement did little to slow him down.

Oscar believed in being part of his community and helping others. In Wichita Falls, he served as president, vice president, and treasurer of Club Capri, a nonprofit educational and social organization. He delivered meals with Meals on Wheels and Interfaith Ministries, taught English as a Second Language and citizenship classes. He also assisted people with their federal income tax returns through the VITA program.

In December 2002, Oscar and Dora moved to Windsor, Colorado. There, he became active at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He served for three years as Financial Secretary for the Knights. In addition, he volunteered with the AARP Tax-Aide program and served as an instructor for the AARP Driver Safety Program.

One particularly meaningful experience came in May 2016, when Oscar and his daughter Kathy traveled to Washington, D.C., with the Northern Colorado Retired Military Honor Flight—an opportunity to honor Oscar and other veterans for their service to the nation.

Away from work and community service, Oscar enjoyed gardening, reading, fishing, fixing anything broken, painting, playing poker and occasionally trying his luck at the casinos. He loved animals, especially dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his many friends by email and listening to the music he loved: mariachi, Spanish guitar and flamenco.

Those who knew Oscar knew there was only one Oscar.

He was personable, humorous, dedicated, frugal, sometimes ornery, impatient and stubborn, but above all loving and caring—especially when it came to his children and grandchildren. He never met a stranger. Oscar was known for walking up to people, shaking their hands, introducing himself, and striking up a conversation, particularly when he encountered a fellow veteran. His natural ability to talk with everyone earned him the affectionate nickname “The Mayor.”

Family and friends will also remember another Oscar trademark: handing out $2 bills. They will also remember his dislike of waiting at red lights, his spirited opinions, his teasing sense of humor, his creative storytelling and the unmistakable personality that made him impossible to forget.

Oscar was preceded in death by his biological parents, Rafael Chavez and Hermila Ortega; his adoptive parents, Samuel Saenz and Getrudis “Tula” Saenz; his brother, Rafael Chavez (Guadalupe) from Chihuahua, Mexico; his sister, Lily Parra (Ernie) from Pasco, Washington.

He leaves behind his wife, Dora Lopez Saenz of 66 years, and the family that was at the center of his life: his four children, Kathy Saenz (Al Miller), Mike Saenz, Suzy Saenz (John Crane), and Danny Saenz; his grandchildren, Jacob Miller, Michael Miller, Christopher Miller (Nita Oktavia), Sam Saenz (Sarah), Lucas Saenz (Chelsea), Abby Saenz, Jack Saenz, Nathan Crane (Taylor), Dawson Crane (Nicole), Isaac Crane (Sophia), Sarah Saenz, Melissa Saenz, and Deanna Saenz; and his great-grandchildren, Harper, Ava, Everly, Grayson, Adrian & Bridgette. His brother, Hector Chavez (Dolores) and his sister, Irma Trejo (Herbert).

He is also remembered by his extended family, along with the countless friends, fellow veterans, students, coworkers, neighbors, and community members whose lives he touched over the years.

Oscar’s 90 years encompassed many roles—soldier, officer, teacher, civil servant, volunteer, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, neighbor and friend. Through all of them ran the same thread: he participated fully in life. He served, taught, volunteered, talked, laughed, debated, helped others, loved his family and loved his Savior.

Raul Oscar Saenz will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 4pm-7pm at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins. The Rosary will be prayed at 5:30pm. Oscar's Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11am at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor. Military Honors will be rendered at the conclusion of Mass in recognition of Oscar's service to his country. Please join the family for a luncheon to follow at the church. Oscar will be placed to rest in private ceremony with immediate family at Cheyenne National Cemetery in Wyoming on Monday, August 31, 2026.

In lieu flowers, contributions in Oscar's memory are suggested to Our Lady of the Valley Knights of Columbus, Hispanic Federation, and Puppies Behind Bars.

Oscar's family is deeply grateful to all who have offered help, kindness, and support along the way. Our heartfelt thanks go to Canyon Hospice, Our Lady of the Valley Parish Support, the Knights of Columbus, the US Army Honor Guard, and Resthaven Funeral Home.

Treasured memories of Oscar and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.