David T. Montoya

David T. Montoya, 89, of Ortega Street, Carlsbad, NM, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. Visitation will be 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM, Monday, November 10, 2025, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at San Jose Catholic Church with Monsignor Arturo Banuelas officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

David was born October 31, 1936, in Artesia, NM, to Julian and Pablita (Torrez) Montoya. He was raised on the family farm in Otis. From an early age, he developed a deep love for the farm life, a love that stayed with him throughout his life. Known as a jack-of-all-trades, David could do just about anything he set his mind to. Whether tending the fields or fixing anything that needed fixing, David’s hands were never idle and his heart was always rooted in hard work.

After retirement, his greatest joy was spending time at “the acre,” his beloved piece of land where he found peace and purpose. David enjoyed hunting, camping in the mountains, gardening, and following his children—and later his grandchildren—in all their activities. When he wasn’t outdoors, he could often be found watching sports, especially basketball and football.

David married Carmen Lara on June 1, 1958, and together built a life grounded in faith, family, and perseverance. A lifelong member of San Jose Catholic Church, he lived his faith through quiet service, hard work, and the example he set for his family.

David never wasted any daylight. He worked from sunup to sundown and taught his children the value of dedication, responsibility, and pride in a job well done. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a grandfather whose legacy will live on in the work ethic and hearts of those he loved most.

David was preceded in death by his parents; daughters: Mary Jazell Carnero, Elizabeth “Lisa” Calderon; twin infant granddaughters, Faith and Hope Da Silva; brothers: Paul and Elias Montoya; sisters: Juanita Pelaiz, Feliz Lara, Josephina Aguilar, Martha Gomez, Genoveva Montoya, Esther Aguilar, and Wanda Barron

Survivors are his wife of 67 years, Carmen Montoya; children: Michael Montoya, Carla Duarte and husband, Tommy, David Anthony Montoya and wife, Crystal, Leticia Da Silva and husband, Brandon, all of Carlsbad; son-in-law, Eppie Calderon of Hobbs, NM; grandchildren: Fernando, Adrian, Michael Ray, Jordan (Russell), Cristina (Josh), Andres, Rachel (Andrew), Elena (Debo), Stephen, Iliana, Brandon, and Isabella; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Fernando Carnero, Michael Ray Montoya, Stephen Calderon, Andres Duarte, Brandon (Petey) Da Silva, Aevin Chavez, Josiah Enright, and Elias Montoya. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Hernandez, John Methola, Miguel Huerta, and Frank Navarrette.