Kenny Martin Vigil

Kenny Martin Vigil passed away on June 21, 2022. He was born July 6, 1947, to Socorro and Apolonia “Pauline” (Padilla) Vigil; siblings, Benny, Francis, Socorro Jr. “Junior”, Mary Ellen, Emma, Johnny “John” Vigil.

He graduated from La Junta High School in 1965. Attended Otero Junior College. He served in the U.S. Navy Riverine Force as a Boatswain Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer. He did one tour in Vietnam, River Squadron 15 1968-1969, and in the Honor Guard Detail at the Arlington National Cemetery. He served on the U.S. Presidential Honor Guard for Lyndon Baines Johnson. His award and commendations include Purple Heart, Navy Achievement Medal with a Combat “V” for Valor, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, and RVN Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm. He was a designing engineer for Ball Aerospace, he helped with the design of the lens for the Hubble Telescope. He was a draftsman and worked as a drafting instructor at ITT Technical Institute in Denver, CO., He was also a boilermaker apprentice and welder.

Kenny enjoyed music, books, and art. He was a perpetual learner. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 2. 

Most of all he loved his time with his family.

Kenny leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Felicia Marie Garcia, Kenny “Jacob” Michael Vigil, Sean Martin Vigil, Nicholas Paul (Rebecca) Vigil; 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren; mothers of his children and former wives, Lorraine and Barbara, numerous relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral service 10:00 a.m. MST, Friday, July 1, 2022, at Angelus Chapel. Reception to follow, at the American Legion 2, 710 W. 9th St.