Obituary of Andrew Joseph Archuleta

Andrew Joseph Archuleta, 68, died April 25, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.He was born August 24, 1950 in Monte Vista, Colorado to Jose Epimenio Archuleta and Guadalupe Maria Martinez.Andy will be missed dearly by all who knew him. He was an incredible man. He had an unmatched zest for life and an infectious laugh that thankfully was passed down to his sons and their children. From his love of travel and for his pyromaniac love of fireworks, he taught us that all the really good things in life are beyond the "Do Not Enter" signs. He will live on in our hearts, minds, thoughts, prayers, and laughs forever.Andy truly loved his country. At an early age he volunteered to join the Vietnam Conflict as an USS Marine Corps Infantry soldier. He received numerous medals which included the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He reenlisted in the National Guard and served for many years as a Sergeant and received many decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations, and service ribbons. He retired from the Air Force Academy with the Civil Service as a landscaper. Andy had many passions but his true passion was of landscaping. After retiring from the Air Force Academy, he was a manger for several companies for landscaping. He was an extraordinary gardener who created landscapes that got better each year. He is preceded in death by his father, Jose Epimenio Archuleta; mother, Guadalupe Maria Martinez; and his sons, Nathaniel Lewis Archuleta and Adrian Kane Archuleta.Andy is survived by his wife, Virginia Archuleta; son, Jose Archuleta; grandsons, Nathaniel Archuleta, Jr. and Sergio Cerrillo; granddaughters, Demi Archuleta and Rhys Archuleta; great-grandkids, Alleah, Marcelyna, Gabriel, Latroy Kelly and Khole Kelly; dear friend, Linda; brothers, Alfonso Archuleta and Gilbert Archuleta; sisters, Marcella Anaya, Estella Montoya, Joan Ratcliff-Gutierrez and Lisa Archuleta-Wells.Funeral Service, 11:00AM, Friday, May 3, 2019, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1830 South Corona Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905.Graveside Service, 1:00PM, Friday, May 3, 2019, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.For those who cannot make it to the service or any well-wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell on a Budweiser can (or beverage of your choice) and drink it in his honor. And remember to live life to the fullest and laugh, laugh, and then laugh some more. Events Funeral Service Friday, May 3, 2019 11:00AM St. Joseph Catholic Church 1830 South Corona Avenue Colorado Springs,, CO 80905 Phone: 719-632-9903 Graveside Friday, May 3, 2019 1:00PM Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925 Phone: 202-632-8035