Elmer Howard, III

Chico Howard of Angel Fire, NM went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 14th 2024.  He was 3 weeks shy of his 84th birthday.

Chico was born Elmer McCauley Howard III in Pearsall, TX in 1940 to his father, Elmer McCauley Howard II, and mother, Agnes Louise McClain.  When Chico was 2, his family moved to Durango, Mexico, working cattle on their ranch.  When he was 22, he married the love of his life, Margarita Flores De la Parra also of Durango.  They were adventurous souls visiting the world and living in many places, including: Durango, Puerto Vallarta, different parts of Texas, and even spending 5 years in the outback of Australia.  They moved to Angel Fire, NM 45 years ago and made it their final home.  Chico loved working with horses and cattle, swimming with sharks and crocodiles, alpine and waterskiing, snowmobiling, camping, fishing, carne asadas, working outside in God’s country, flying airplanes, taking pictures, getting into mischief, teasing and joking with others, telling everyone about his life adventures, and spending time with family and friends. 

Chico was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters June and Mary, his sons Chico Jr. and Alex, and grandsons Ezra and Jonathan.  He is survived by his wife Margarita, daughter Bibi, daughter Chiquis, son Ricky, two sons-in-law Chris and Ken, two daughters-in-law Silvia and MaryAnn, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one more on the way, his brothers Juan, Fito and Mackie and their families, sisters Betty Grace and Lisa and their families, as well as many nephews and nieces and extended family. Chico also leaves behind all of his honorary “sons and daughters” throughout the world that he loved so much. His life impacted so many and he will be greatly missed.

His body will be laid to rest in Cimarron, NM with a celebration of life service this coming June the 8th. 

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com