Max B. Mestas

MAX B. MESTAS, a career Math and Science Teacher and decorated Vietnam Veteran, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 13, 2011 in Pueblo. Max was born Aug. 15, 1947 in Walsenburg to John and Rose (nee Martinez) Mestas of Aguilar. He was educated in Aguilar and Trinidad schools and graduated from Trinidad High School in 1965. He then earned an Associate’s degree from Trinidad State Jr. College, as well as a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from Adams State College in Alamosa. Max entered the U.S. Army a week after his 20th birthday and served as a Tactical Signal Intelligence Collection Specialist (Radio Operator/Intercept Operator) in the U.S. and Germany before serving in Southeast Asia in 1970 with the 8th Radio Research Field Station, 509th Radio Research Group, U.S. Army Security Agency and MAC-V (Military Assistance Command – Vietnam). He was discharged as a Specialist 5 in 1971 and was awarded the Bronze Star as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, Screaming Eagles. Upon completion of his education, Max became a teacher and football coach at Trinidad High School and also in San Luis. He then worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Wyeth Laboratories for 11 years before returning full time to teaching high school, primarily the Sciences and Mathematics in Pueblo District 60. Max married Gina Torres Romero in 1982. Together they lived in Pueblo where they enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, fishing, and an occasional trip to Cripple Creek. He was fond of sports cars, hunting, logic puzzles, and football, especially the Oakland Raiders. He was active in his faith as a member of the Legion of Mary and Sacred Heart Cathedral. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Julie (Torres) Reyna and brother-in-law Thomas Duval. Max is survived by his wife Gina of Pueblo and twin brother John (Myrna) Mestas of Ft. Garland and was devoted to his six other siblings, Ernestine (Ernest) Gurule of Aguilar, Judith Duval of NH, Laura Maldonado of Pueblo, Reuben (Pamela) Mestas of Denver, Paula (Rob) Trevithick of Pueblo, Richard (Mary Elder) Mestas of MD, and his Godson/Nephew Michael A. Reyna of Co. Springs. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews, Catherine and Sarah Gurule of Aguilar, Greg (Stephanie) Duval of NH, Kristen (Jeff) and Avery Hamilton of NH, Tammy and Amy Maldonado of Pueblo, Daniel (Jenny) Mestas of IL, John (Lisa) and Alex, Joey, Arianna, and Davey Mestas of GA, Anne (Luke) Aldrich of Co. Springs, Brittany, Brooke, and Bailey Trevithick of Pueblo, as well as his father-in-law Richard Torres, brother-in-law Vince (Kathy) Torres, nephews Tony Torres of Denver, Mark (Michelle) and Katie and Emily Torres of OR, and John (Lilly) Reyna, aunts Ernestine (Morris) Duran of Aurora, Jennie Duran of Trinidad, Violet (Trino) Alvarado and Odelia Jiminez of Pueblo, uncles Alfred (Angie) Duran of Pueblo, and Richard (Teresa) Duran of Littleton, and many close friends. Private services will be held in the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Donations may be made to the Adams State College general scholarship fund. Online condolences at DavisMortuary.com.