Billy Gene Carlen

Billy Gene Carlen, age 66, of Albuquerque, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 surrounded by family in his home following a short battle with cancer.

Billy grew up in Taylorville, IL and graduated from Taylorville High School in 1972. After graduation he joined the Army and served in the Army Security Agency for 8 years. He graduated in 1983 from Colorado Technical College and in 1984 he went to work at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM until he retired. He was a family man and has been noted to always have a kid in his lap. He and his wife Diana of 47 years, raised their family here. He was a member of the Believer's Center, and was involved in both Boy and Girl Scouts. For many years he looked forward to volunteering for family camp at Rancho del Chaparral. He was an avid baseball fan, especially the Isotopes, and became a fan of Lobo Men's basketball. Everyone knows that if he said "you know," it always meant that he had a great idea. He loved going out to eat,  and every month he looked forward to Men's prayer breakfast and lunch with with his former coworkers.

Billy was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Carlen, and is survived by his wife, Diana Carlen; mother, Hazel Carlen; six siblings, Lucille Herman, Thomas Carlen, Larry Carlen, Rick Carlen, Michael Carlen, and Kevin Carlen; four children, Billy (Veerle) Carlen, Melanie Theriot, Meggie (Jason) Vlasovetz, and Emily (David) Bracken. He also leaves six grandchildren, Kelsey (Robert), Micah, Piper, Aurora, Ianna, and Emma; and two great grandchildren Isabelle and Tobias.

Family would like to thank Dr. Lance Rudolph, Dr. Sean Mazer and NMHI staff, Dr. Pelosi and NMCC staff, and Hospice of New Mexico including Dr. Goodman, Adam, Chasie, Natalie, Corey, and Candace for the excellent care provided over the years.

Services will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 12 noon at FRENCH - Lomas.  Private burial to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the NMCC foundation.