Henry Tenorio, Willard-born Army veteran and Socorro woodworker, dies at 85

Henriquez Ignacio "Henry" Tenorio, a longtime Socorro resident who served in the U.S. Army and later worked at White Sands Missile Range, died peacefully on April 19, 2025. He was 85. His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were with him.

Tenorio was born and raised in Willard, New Mexico, the sixth of 10 children. He attended Western New Mexico University in Las Vegas and later St. Joseph's College in Albuquerque, where he was studying to become a teacher. When the draft began around that time, he instead enlisted in the Army and trained as an electronics and communications specialist.

Shortly after finishing his training, in 1960, he married Veronica "Betty" Chavez, who also came from Willard. The couple were married for 64 years. Tenorio spent his entire enlistment stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1966.

After leaving the service, he took a job at the Army's White Sands Missile Range and settled his family in Socorro, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Church life was central to Tenorio's years there. He served as a eucharistic minister, lector, fiesta chairman and choir member, and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. A skilled woodworker, he made wooden crosses for San Miguel Church, San Miguel Cemetery and Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Willard.

His interests ranged widely, from camping, hunting and gardening to farming, cooking and wine making. Family members described him as an all-around handy man and a "jack of all trades" who finished projects with precision, following meticulous plans. They said he will be remembered for his sound advice, his readiness to share his knowledge and skills, and his devotion to family and friends, including lively gatherings at home.

Besides his wife, Tenorio is survived by five children: Monica (Shayne) Vanlandingham, Brigitta (Jon) Pineda, Daniel (Valerie) Tenorio, Tanya Tenorio and Dominic (Christina) Tenorio. He also leaves 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Four of his siblings survive him: Mary, Grace, Catherine and Anthony. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Amalia Tenorio, and by five siblings: Fita, Richard, Tom, Manuel Jr. and Nena.

Details about services had not been announced as of April 24. The family said they will be posted on the Trujillo Family Funeral Home website.