Fernando F. Shelland

Fernando Francisco Shelland aka "Gunny" passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 79 years old.

He will certainly miss us here on Earth, and we will miss him, we are excited he will finally get to meet his dad, reunite with his mom and sisters, as well as reconnect with Vangie's parents Jose and Maria Lucero whom he greatly admired and loved. He will once again see Maurice Garcia, whom he deeply adored.

Fernando is survived by his wife Evangeline Shelland, daughter Marriya Shelland-Lucero, son Erik Shelland and his wife Reydelle, granddaughter Brooke Shelland, brother Otto Shelland, nephews: Otto Shelland, Israel Shelland, Pete Mayoral, Frank Carrillo; nieces: Charo Shelland, Magui Shelland, Theresa Carrillo, and Judy Garcia.

He was born on July 12, 1946, to Otto and Margarita Shelland of Esenada, Baja, California, Mexico. He was raised in San Diego, California by his aunt Cecilia, brother Otto, sisters Yolanda and Elsa following the loss of his parents before he was 12 years old. After high school in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Motor Transport Chief, Military Policeman, and a Recruiter. His dedication helped him achieve the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in which he took great pride. In 1985 he retired from the military and served as the Security Lead for many areas of the White Sands Missile Range.

He met Evangeline Lucero while working as a recruiter in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They married on June 15, 1974, and were married for 51 years. They had two children, Marriya and Erik. In 1985 following a dream, with the key element of "Alamo" in it, he established his lifelong household in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Fernando was an avid outdoorsman, he loved taking Marriya and/or Erik hunting. He would later refer to hunting as, "annual walks in the woods". He achieve an impressive firearms collection and was always a Marine. Becoming a more devout Catholic man, he served as an alter server at Our Lady of the Light Parish in La Luz, New Mexico. By far, his greatest and favorite role was being a grandpa to Brooke. He rarely missed a grandparents day or birthday party, and he loved the big holidays when he could visit and spend time with her. He was always in awe of Brooke's growth and personal success.

Fernando's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 9:30am at San Jose Parish located at 2401 Broadway Blvd SE, 87102. Mass will be at 10:30am. Fernando will be laid to rest with military honors following the Mass at at Gate of Heaven Cemetery located at 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, 87109. Reception will follow at the Canyon Club at Four Hills located at 911 4 Hills Road SE, 87123.

Pallbearers will be Marriya Shelland-Lucero, Joshua Bletsch, Ray Tapia, Michael Romero, Amadeo Sena, Javariyon Collier, and Ryan Winger.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Niko Rankin, Isabella Lundsford, and Allyxus Danyelle Parker.