Victor Pineda

Victor Pineda, 91, went to Heaven on July 16, 2026, to meet Jesus Christ, our Savior. He was born on February 26, 1935, to Santos (Saenz) Rubio and Juan Rubio. After losing his mother as a very small child, Victor went to live with his maternal uncle, Thomas Pineda, and was raised in Scholle, New Mexico. Though his childhood was filled with hardships that shaped his resilient character, his wife always reminded their children to surround Victor with abundant love.

Even as a teenager working on the railroad and helping his uncle raise cattle, Victor defined hard work. A handshake and his word were his creed. He mastered the trade of auto paint and body, working for Caldwell Motor, Ford Motor Co., Ted Peifer, and Charlie's Paint and Body Shop. He possessed a rare talent for transforming rusted, seemingly beyond-repair vehicles into masterpieces that looked straight from the factory.

Along with paint and body Victor decided to drive semi-trucks, attending trucking school in Fresno, California, where instructors quickly realized he was already a master of the skilled trade. Victor hauled refrigerated goods, explosives, and lumber from coast to coast but his true passion was hauling cattle, he was an amazing bull hauler and made sure his load got to its destination before he ate or slept. He knew the highways so well he could name the mile marker for almost any destination. He loved pulling out his atlas to map routes for loved ones—an atlas he used nearly as much as his Bible.

A man of profound faith, Victor dedicated Saturdays to rest and spent Sundays watching TBN with his wife over coffee and breakfast. When he wasn't tending to his trees or fixing things outdoors, he was sitting quietly reading scripture. Victor was exceptionally generous, always helping anyone in need.

Family was his greatest joy. He was deeply proud of his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was filled with happiness at his recent 90th birthday party surrounded by his loved ones. He often spoke of his upcoming 75th wedding anniversary, missing that milestone by just two years and four months. Victor fulfilled his earthly purpose by directing his family to follow God, love one another, and work hard. He instilled a legacy showing his children that there is absolutely nothing they cannot achieve. He was an honorable husband, dad, grandfather and great grandfather, he was the true definition of an honorable man.

The open road has lost one of its greatest drivers. Victor has finally parked his rig after a lifetime of hauling. He faced every storm and tight spot with a resolve as strong as his rig. His load is weighed, his tolls are paid, and he has signed off with a final 10-7. He has gone before us to give us directions to our final destination: Mile Marker Heaven.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 73 blessed years, Eloisa, his eldest son Victor Jr. and wife Lisa, his youngest son Steve, his eldest daughter Theresa and husband Michael Gonzales and his daughter Norma Pineda. His grandchildren, Tesha Faith, Samuel and wife Jessica, and Michael Pineda. Steven Gonzales, Michael "Tony" and wife Alena Gonzales Jr., Nick and wife Francesca Romero, Andrew "Noah"and wife Hayley Plog. His great-grandchildren Alexandria Travirca and husband Joshua Garcia, Caleb Travirca, Khrysgiana Pineda and fiancé Kyle Lutnick, Jeremiah Pineda, Dylan Pineda, Wyatt Pineda, Nolia Salinas, Zeke Gonzales, soon to be born Zoey Gonzales, Lincoln Romero, Saleen Romero and Wade Plog. He also had many cousins, nieces, nephews, and God children.

Victor's services will be at Noblin in Belen, NM on August 1, 2026 at 4pm for the visitation and 5 pm for the services, Doris Jaquess officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandson's Samuel Pineda, Michael Pineda, Tony Gonzales, Nick Romero, Noah Plog and granddaughter Francesca Romero. His eldest granddaughter Tesha Faith Pineda will carry him close to her heart to his home. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

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