Tomas R. Bernal

Tomas R. Bernal, age 86, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, passed away in Las Cruces, New Mexico at Mesilla Valley Hospice after suffering a stroke. He fought a valiant battle for 26 days, surrounded by the love of those who cherished him.

Tomas was born in San Vicente, Texas to Manuel Bernal and Vicenta Rodriguez Bernal, both from Mexico. Following his father’s passing, his mother later married Trinidad Morin, who also preceded Tomas in death. Tomas attended Marathon Elementary through the fifth grade and later was raised by Marcello “Chelo” Payne, who worked at the historic Gage Ranch. His ranch upbringing shaped the man he became and sparked a lifelong love of the cowboy way of life. That life led him into rodeo, where he was a talented bull rider who won numerous events and buckles, and a skilled roper known for proudly sharing his talent with others. 

Tomas was known as a hardworking man who took pride in doing things the right way. He spoke with pride of helping build Alamogordo through his years of labor, including work related to city light poles on 1st Street and Scenic Drive and bridges in the area. He also served the City of Alamogordo as a collections/waste driver and worker, a job he carried out with dedication and dependability.

Much of Tomas’ life’s work was with United Van Lines/American Moving and Storage, where he devoted more than 50 years of service. He drove for more than 13 years across all 48 states delivering furniture for Richard Robling and later was asked by Mr. Robling to serve as a foreman in recognition of his leadership and professionalism. Over the decades, Tomas mentored many men and women in the moving industry, teaching the skills of careful packing, safe loading of household goods and trailers, and responsible semi-truck driving. He received numerous recognitions for safety and for the exceptional care he showed customers’ belongings, consistently delivering personal possessions in excellent condition. His attention to detail and trusted reputation was so well known that Holloman Air Force Base personnel, including Generals, would often request Tomas specifically to pack and move their personal possessions.

Above all, Tomas was loved for his happy, cheerful laughter and the warmth he brought to those around him. He was known for helping family, friends, and neighbors when they were in need and for offering steady, fatherly advice shaped by strong family values and culture.

Tomas was three months shy of celebrating 65 years of marriage to the love of his life, Enriqueta Estrada Bernal of Alamogordo, New Mexico, whom he proudly described as “the prettiest woman in Alamogordo”.

Tomas is survived by his sons, Ricky Bernal (girlfriend Tamie Davis), Robert Bernal (girlfriend Lorena Chavez); his grandson, Tomas M. Bernal, whom he raised as a son and who carries on his name and heritage; Elbert Grayson who was also seen as a son; his daughter, Cecelia E. Bernal “Cece,”; his granddaughters, Maria Brady-Bernal (boyfriend Henry Garcia), Julyssa Flores, Makyla Gallegos; his sister, Santos Esparza; his brother, Julio Rodriguez.

He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Bernal; his mother, Vicenta Rodriguez Bernal; his stepfather, Trinidad Morin; his mentor and father figure, Marcello “Chelo” Payne; his brothers, Manuel, Jose, Amancio, Damacio, and Roque Bernal; his sisters, Maria Bernal, Chona Bernal, Juana Bernal.

Tomas’ hobbies reflected the life he loved, deer hunting with his brothers-in-law and sons, recreational cowboy roping, cutting lawns, watching western movies, and talking about the good ole times with his family and his days as a cowboy on the ranch.

Funeral Services for Tomas Bernal will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.

Tomas’ care has been entrusted to Alamogordo Funeral Home.

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