Joaquin "Jake" Provencio passed away peacefully on July 19, 2017 in Las Cruces, NM at the age of 90. Jake was born on March 4, 1927 in Fillmore, New Mexico to Agapito and Maria Quinones Provencio. He attended Hatch High School but left at the age of 16 years to join the US Navy and fight in World War II, later ob taining his GED. During WWII, he served aboard the USS Attala as an S1C in the Pacific Theater and operated a Landing Craft (LST) and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal.Upon returning from the War, Jake worked as a farm hand in Colorado, then returned to NM and leased a farm to work in Hatch and was self-employed running dump trucks thru-out southern NM before starting his career at White Sands Missile Range. Jake came to White Sands in 1951 as a security guard and retired in 1985 as Deputy Director of Law Enforcement and Security. During his career he also served as Chief Security, Counterintelligence Division, and as Deputy Director, Security Directorate. Jake worked in all aspects of security and was truly a "self- made man" pulling himself up by his bootstraps to achieve the highest civilian position in the Security Directorate at a time when higher grades were normally reserved for those with a college degree. He chaired the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Signal Security board and was a major contributor to the early signal intelligence and Operational Security surveys conducted at WSMR. His leadership and participation in surveys like Century Fire, Canyon Dawn and Canada Water resulted in the implementation of several programs that molded Signal Security policy throughout the Department of Defense (DOD). Jake's experience and expertise were recognized by many outside the WSMR community as well. The original Signal Security plan he developed for the range was recognized as the first comprehensive effort to address a spectrum of potential threats and viable alternatives to counter those threats. His efforts at WSMR greatly influenced Signal Security policies, which are still in effect today as Communications Security (COMSEC) and Electronics Security (ELSEC). He also promoted Operations Security (OPSEC) methodology as an essential means of information protection. He had the vision to apply countermeasures in classified WSMR contracts years before DOD expanded the program and made it mandatory for contractors. He was recognized for his accomplishments in 2007 by being inducted into the White Sands Missile Range Hall of Fame. During his time at WSMR, he also worked part time at Mitchell Motor Co. where he ended up being top salesman.Jake retired for the second time in 1995 from LTV at WSMR where he worked as the Security Officer and spent many years after retiring educating his grandchildren how to drive on the back roads of Mesilla. Jake also had a lifelong passion for horses and the cowboy way of life. Although he lived in the city, the majority of his free time was spent on the back of a horse. He took great pride in his ability to train his own horses and compete in team roping events all over the southwest, bringing home many trophies and stories. Jake put his team roping on hold while several of his children were competing in Gymkhana and Rodeo events, then picking it back up after they quit competing. He also loved to match race his horses against race horses whenever the opportunity showed itself. In addition, he was a member and president of Doña Ana Sheriff's Posse and Las Cruces Horseman's Association. Jake adored all his children and they always knew if they ever needed anything, they could go to him. He taught his children and grandchildren that nothing comes easy, as it didn't for him, and that the only way to succeed in life was through hard work and perseverance. Jakes family has been in the Mesilla Valley for many generations. His great grand uncle, Nemencio Provencio, was one of a group of eight men who brought the first irrigation canal into the Anthony area during Territorial days.Jake is survived by his wife, Mava Kay Provencio; children, Rosava Zounis, Sylvia Avalos (Jessie), Amy Provencio, Yvette Eschenbrenner (Scott), Janette Stewart, Katherine Hayner; brother Augie Provencio (Helen); sisters Luz Berridge and Tila Shaya; grandchildren, Sarah Stegall, Caleb and Kerri Provencio, Jesse Jr. and Jennifer Avalos, JJ Provencio, Natalie Stevens, Jake and Kaitlyn Eschenbrenner, Tanner and Allie Baysinger, Lilli Hayner; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ben Provencio and half-sisters Lupe Tarin, Elisa Avillar, Maxine Romero and Seraphina Provencio, sons Jake Provencio and Archie Provencio and grandchildren Joey Torres, Adam Avalos and Cody Lawton. Jake was much beloved by Kays parents, brothers, sisters and all of his nieces and nephews.Jakes Celebration of Life Memorial is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Friday, July 28. 2017 at Mesilla Park Community Church at 1040 El Paseo, Las Cruces, NM, with a reception to follow at 4325 Snow Road at 5:00 pm. Pastor William Dossett will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jake's extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mesilla Valley Hospice at 299 Montana, Las Cruces, 88005 or Cowboys for Cancer Research at PO Box 202, Doña Ana, NM 88032.