Donnie Lee Sedillo Sr.

Donnie Lee Sedillo Sr., 87, affectionately known as “Don”, passed away on April 21, 2026.  He was born in Raton, New Mexico on April 26, 1938 to Pablo Sedillo and Della Ortiz, both precede him in death along with sisters, Irene Gonzales and Esther Garcia; sister-in-law, Irene Sedillo; brother-in-law, Lee Archuleta; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Benjamin & Elodia Archuleta.

Don spent his early childhood in Raton, NM and moved to Walsenburg, CO when he was 8 years old. By all accounts he was a precocious child and earned the nick name “SUDS” while attending Elementary School in Walsenburg. The origin of the nickname remains a mystery but one can only imagine. 

Don graduated from Walsenburg High School in 1957 and was a proud Panther.  Don was captain of the Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track and Field teams. President of the Letterman’s Club and to top off the all American story he was also Homecoming King.  He and his brother Paul Sedillo liked to say “they ruled Walsenburg”.  It was an idyllic 1950’s upbringing, and Don’s stories of his time in small town Walsenburg were filled with the nostalgic charm of a time gone by.

In 1957 two momentous events occurred.  Don met the love of his life Consuelo Archuleta and he started working at the CF&I in Pueblo Colorado. Both Consuelo and the CF&I would permeate his entire life.  He married Consuelo in 1958 and they raised three children together. Don was a loving, respectful and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Don leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 68 years, Consuelo V. (Archuleta) Sedillo; his children, Lita (Robert) Trujillo, Donnie L. (Yanera McCulley) Sedillo Jr., Ronald (David) Sedillo; grandchildren, Robbie (Stacey) Trujillo, Angelica (Allie) Trujillo- Esparza, Jachob L. Sedillo, Zolanye (Andy) Bachicha, Charles L. McCulley- Sedillo; great- grandchildren, Abbie Trujillo, Bennie Trujillo, Ava Trujillo- Esparza, Yasiel and Yamilo McCulley-Bachicha; brother, Paul Sedillo Sr.; In-laws, Margaret (Alfred) Garcia, Benjamin “Paco”(Laurie Martinez) Archuleta, and Constance Archuleta; god-daughter, Rhoda (Alejandro) Grine; several nieces, nephews, and abundance of friends who will miss Don dearly.

He took tremendous pride in hard work and valued the opportunity to earn and provide for his family. After retiring from the CF&I he worked for the John Neumann Schools and volunteered much of his free time to the St Joseph Festival and St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was a parishioner for 56 years. In January 2025 Don was inducted into the CF&I Hall of Fame beside his brother Paul Sedillo.  It was a fitting conclusion to his long relationship with the community of Pueblo and the CF&I.

Don was a devoted “outdoors man” and in his younger days enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, motorcycles and biking. Later in life he simply enjoyed being in nature. His favorite place on earth was the family ranch in Huerfano County.  He devoted much of his later life to being the steward of “The Upper Ranch”.  This was the time when Don passed on a wealth of skill and knowledge to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He worked hard until he could no longer do it. In his last years Don simply enjoyed sitting on the deck and spotting deer, elk and turkey. His devotion to the restoration and improvement of the Upper Ranch will forever be part of his legacy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you and gratitude to the staff, nurses and caregivers at Sangre de Cristo Hospice and the caregivers from Rain Home Care, Carol, Paula and Celeste. We are eternally grateful for their compassionate care.

With hearts full of gratitude, we thank Father Steve, Deacon Ed, and Father Joseph for the blessings, prayers, and last rites you so compassionately gave to him. Your faithful ministry brought comfort, grace, and the presence of God in his final moments.

The family would also like to thank Angelus Funeral Home and the McCulley family for their support, love and guidance during this difficult time.

Rosary 6pm Monday April 27, 2026.

Mass 10am Tuesday April 28, 2026.

Both at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

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