Antonio Fernandez Jr.

A funeral service will be held for Antonio Rascon Fernandez Jr. at 2pm. Tuesday, March 24th at West Main Baptist Church. Tony, age 81, passed away peacefully with the Lord on March 19th, 2026. He was born on April 21, 1944, in Artesia, NM., where he was a lifelong resident.

Tony dedicated many years of his life to the Eddy County Road Department, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement. He took pride in his work, helping to build and maintain the roads that connected and strengthened his community. Those who knew Tony understood that every mile of road he worked on was a reflection of his craftsmanship, and quiet dedication.

Outside of his career, Tony became a well-known figure in the mud bogging and racing community in the mid-1980s. His passion for racing led him to create his iconic monster truck named, La Bamba, which became a local favorite. Family and friends also knew him by his racing persona, “Mr. Clean,” which he portrayed in a white tuxedo while racing his sand rail through the mud. He brought energy and excitement wherever he went. Tony, along with his son, Eddie later created The La Bamba Racing Team, with Tony becoming the heart and soul behind its successful races. He was also an avid listener of 1950s music and was a loyal New Orleans Saints fan. He loved spending time fishing, planting and creating cherished memories with his family that will live on for generations.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Josphine Rascon Fernandez and Antonio Fernandez; two sons, Antonio Fernandez III & Jerome Fernandez & a sister, Virginia Vargas. Survivors include his wife, Angelita Ontiveros Fernandez; sons James Fernandez; Eddie Fernandez and wife Venus; daughters Delma Fernandez Romero and husband Manuel; Lorilee Fernandez Parrish and husband Alex & Melissa Ontiveros Madrid. Survivors also include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he loved beyond words.

Survivors and losses of his Fernandez brothers and sisters and their spouses include: Miguel (deceased) & Mary Salmon, Robert & Mary Fernandez, Johnny & Cecila Fernandez, Jerry & Olga Fernandez, Lonny (deceased) & Amelia Rodriguez, Pete and Marylou Fernandez, Salvador “Shutters” (deceased) & Mary Lou (LouLou) Hernandez, Mike (deceased) & Terry Balencia, Pedro & Virginia (deceased) Vargas, and Michael (deceased) & Rosie Florez along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include his grandson’s: Miguel Madrid Jr., Eddie Fernandez Jr., Daniel Fernandez, Arturo Fernandez, Vicente Fernandez, Jacoby Fernandez, and Daedric Parrish.

Tony’s honorary pallbearers include all of his Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.