A prominent and very well-liked gentleman was called by our Lord on June 7, 2013. He passed away from a sudden illness at Alta Vista Regional Hospital. Our beloved Arthur P. Archuleta, 74, was born on Sept. 15, 1938 in the San Antonio, Upper Town area of Las Vegas to the late Jose Delfido Archuleta and Theresita Martinez. A life-long Catholic and member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, he is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Gonzalo Benavidez and mother-in-law, Lucy Benavidez; sisters, Ruby Bullard, Aurelia Gallegos and Mary Dean; sister-in-law, Rose Archuleta; and brothers-in-law, Casey Benavidez and Fidel Benavidez. Art graduated from Robertson High School in 1958 and attended New Mexico Highlands University. It was during high school he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Jessie B. Benavidez. On April 15, 1961, they married and have six children.In 1987, Art was awarded the prestigious Governor's Award for his dedicated and outstanding service to the citizens of New Mexico by then Gov. Toney Anaya. After 25 years of service, he retired from the New Mexico Department of Transportation. Art, along with Jessie, was a great supporter and member of the West Las Vegas High School Booster Club for several years.Surviving Art is his beloved wife, Jessie, of the family home. Four sons, Arthur Ron Archuleta and girlfriend, Mari Martinez, Tommy Archuleta and wife, Theresa, Robert Archuleta and Salvador Chava Archuleta and wife, Lorrie, - all from Las Vegas. Two daughters, Yolanda Esquibel and husband, John, from Las Vegas and Beatrice Archuleta and fiancé, Basel Hanna, from Albuquerque.Sixteen grandchildren: Pamela Archuleta, Aaron Archuleta, Ryan Archuleta, Ryan Hanna, Julie Esquibel, April Esquibel, Shawn Hanna, Nick Archuleta, Nathan Archuleta, Megan Esquibel, Marissa Archuleta, Arturo Archuleta, Mario Archuleta, Andres Archuleta, James Archuleta, Basil "JoJo" Hanna, Isaiah and Adam Archuleta and Lucas Archuleta.Three great-grandchildren: Kevin Archuleta, Malie Satete and Jacob Archuleta.Also surviving Art is one brother, Tony "Red" Archuleta; three sisters: Virginia Archuleta, Rita Chavez and Liz Barnes. Two brothers-in-law: Manuel Benavidez and Rafael Benavidez. Four sisters-in-law: Rose Salazar and husband, Johnny; Clorinda Romero and husband, Rosendo; Lina Flores and husband, Paul; and Helen Vargas and husband, Geraldo. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and special Godchildren.Art was a loyal New York Jets fan. He sported his Jets memorabilia year round. He also loved baseball and the Cleveland Indians. He spent most of his life coaching his children, grandchildren and hundreds of youth from Las Vegas. Coach Archuleta was well respected and liked by his players. As their coach and mentor, his wish was to make a positive difference in their lives. In 1970, he started his coaching career with the Nosotros Incorporated Team. Art was one of the first coaches in Las Vegas to include female players in his teams. In 1985, Art took the Senior League to the state playoffs and made it to the championship game and won the state runner-up trophy. Art's dream was to coach at a higher-level, but he was not able to fulfill that dream because he put family responsibility first.Art was a kind-hearted and very humble, family man. He loved to visit with everyone he'd encountered. He enjoyed going to flea markets, garage sales and the casino. Most of all, his favorite pastime was watching his grandchildren, his pride and joy, play sports. He could hardly wait for summer evenings just to attend the hometown little league games.Art was an avid outdoors man. He took time to help everyone as best he could. He could strike a conversation with anyone and talk for hours. In Art's eyes, material possessions were not important in life. Having strong morals and values and raising a good and respectable family is what life was all about. Art's biggest accomplishment, the one he was most proud of, was making sure all his children earned a college degree. We will remember our beloved Arthur P. Archuleta as a fun-loving man who lived and loved life to the fullest.Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. today (Monday) at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Eulogy will be given by Dr. Ron Maestas. Mass of Christian burial will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday with Father George Salazar presiding. Interment will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery.Serving as pallbearers are his four sons and grandsons: Arthur Ron Archuleta, Tommy Archuleta, Robert Archuleta, Salvador Archuleta, Aaron Archuleta and Ryan Archuleta. Honorary bearers will be the remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Visit Rogers Morturay's website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, 1-800-479-3511 or 425-3511.