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BEECHER -- Everett Fred Beecher, Jr., (Sonny), born November 5,1944 in Great Falls, Montana, passed away, finding peace on July 11, 2009. Sonny, as he was best known, served this country honorably in Viet Nam for 2 tours of duty in the 1st cavalry medi-vac from 1967 to 1969. He received two purple hearts, saving the lives of many who served alongside him. Sonny also served the people of Albuquerque and the surrounding areas as a radio announcer, the owner of "The Sound Studio", and the creative director for several large ad agencies. He was a singer, song writer, and guitar player who in the 60's after the death of Buddy Holly, recorded in Norman Petty's studio in Clovis, NM and earned 2 Gold records for his guitar work. His talent, charisma, friendship and love will be very much missed. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Zimmerman Beecher; his sister Elaine Beecher Ward; his two sons Paul-Michael Seth Beecher, and Everett Craig Beecher (Rett), and his two dogs that he loved so much, Bo and Dee . He will be buried at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe NM on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 3 p.m.
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

BOWSER -- Erma F. Bowser, a resident of Albuquerque since 1974, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2009. Erma was born in 1914 in Osterburg, PA. She is survived by two daughters, L. Gene Harrison and husband, Don, and Gail B. Tomlin and husband, Lee, all of Albuquerque; and grandson, Michael K. Williams and wife, Rhonda, of Woodbridge, VA. Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene in 1982; parents, Warren and Maude Feather; and four brothers. Cremation has taken place and cremated remains will be interred in the family plot in Fishertown Cemetery, Bedford County, PA. Erma was a member of Sandia Presbyterian Church since 1998. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 11:00 a.m., at Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo del Norte NE, with Rev. Dewey Johnson officiating. The families wish to extend their gratitude to all the staff at Las Palomas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and to the Presbyterian Hospice staff, who gave Erma their love and care for so many months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity in Erma's name. Please visit our online guestbook for Erma at RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

BURRESS -- Joseph "Joey" Burress, a loyal family member, friend, and quite a gentleman, died Thursday, July 16, 2009. He was a valued employee of the Goodwill Industries for forty-eight years. He is survived by his guardian, Vera M. Gonzales; his caregiver, Patricia Pacheco; and his sister, Lydia Hanak. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at the Family Worship Center, 7311 Glenrio Rd. NW. Friends may attend a prayer service Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, where a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Patrick Ruiz, Vincent Pacheco, Ysidro Chavira, Leonard Lucero. Please visit our online guestbook for Joseph at www.RememberTheirStory.com French 1111 University Blvd. NE. (505) 843-6333
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

CAPOBIANCO -- Vito F. Capobianco, age 59 passed away on July 16, 2009 while visiting in Alaska. He was born on January 24, 1950 in Brooklyn, NY. Vito and his wife, Janet have lived in Albuquerque since 1982. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet and their children; two daughters, Janine Donnelly and husband, Mike, and Christina Capobianco and boyfriend, Keary Ortiz and one son, Vito J. Capobianco and wife, Karen; four grandchildren; Moira, Evan, Krystle and Amanda; he is also survived by his father, Vito M. Capobianco; two brothers, Paul Capobianco and wife, Mary Lynn and Anthony Capobianco and wife, Rae; one sister, Theresa Bertucci and husband, Nick. Vito is preceded in death by his mother, Theresa Capobianco; and one brother, Frank Capobianco. A Celebration of his life will be held on July 22, 2009 in Albuquerque, NM at Calvary Chapel at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor David Row officiating. Friends may visit on July 21, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and then from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at French Mortuary Wyoming Blvd, Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be given to Carrie Tingley Children's Hospital Foundation, 700 Lomas Blvd NE, Bldg 2, Suite 204 Albuquerque, NM 87102. www.carrietingleyhospitalfoundation.com Please visit our online guestbook for Vito at RememberTheirStory.com . French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

CHAVEZ -- Paul P. In loving memory of: Paul P. Chavez November 23, 1951 - July 20, 2008 It's been one year since you left us. It seems like yesterday. It's been a long and lonely year. We wish you were here with us. Son, I feel your presence everywhere I go. We were always together. Thank you so much for taking care of me, even when you were in pain. You are always in our hearts and minds, always and forever. A Mass in your honor was held on July 19, 2009 at the Church of Ascension. We love and miss you so much. Love, Mom Louisa, Tony and Leonor and friend, Richard
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

COX -- Claudia Cox was born on August 06, 1954 and passed away on July 04, 2009.. At this time, no services have been arranged. Arrangements in care of RIVERSIDE FUNERAL HOME OF ALBUQUERQUE 225 San Mateo NE 764-9663
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

DALE -- David E. Dale, a long-time resident of New Mexico, passed on July 14, 2009. Mr. dale was born in Alton, IL on April 27, 1925 . After serving in the US Navy during the World War II, Mr. Dale attended the University of Chicago. Before moving to NM, he was a successful advertising copywriter at the Kansas City Star. He was in business for many years in Corrales, NM and Ruidoso, NM. He retired in Albuquerque and spent several years doing volunteer work with the US Forrest Service and the Rio Grande nature Center leading nature hikes. He is survived by a sister, Elvah M. Dale of Albuquerque, a sister Betty J. Beier of Green Valley, AZ; and daughters Catherine Goldfarb of Bethlehem, PA, Dolores A. Dale of Eau Clare, WI, Janice E. Dale of Albuquerque, Tana L. Dale of Harrisburg, PA, Lara L. Dale of Albuquerque, Celia A. Dale of Albuquerque, and Lise M. Dale of San Francisco; and a son Erik E. Dale of Tempe, AZ. A rosary is being held Monday, July 20, 2009 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at La Vida Llena Retirement community, 10501 Lagrima de Orro, NE, Albuquerque. The funeral mass will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 9 a.m. at the Shrine of St. Bernadette. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo Blvd., NE, Albuquerque, 505-764-9663
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

DERRICK -- Grace M. (Birkmaier) Derrick of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2009. Grace was born September 21, 1932, the daughter of John and Mildred Birkmaier, in College Point, Queens, New York City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth H. Derrick, who was the love of her life and her one and true soul mate. Grace is survived by her three children son, Steve Derrick and his wife Patricia of Las Vegas NV; daughters Dawn Cartelli and her husband Gene of Los Alamos NM, and Gail Derrick Ferguson and her husband Dave of Nashville, TN; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother Donald Birkmaier of Florida. Grace was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was married to her husband Ken for 57 years, and enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother and wife who cared deeply for her family and friends. Grace and Ken traveled the world together, and she had a passion for learning the histories and cultures of other countries. She also loved crafts and painting. She will be missed by all her family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM at 1:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 300, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Please visit our online guestbook for Grace at RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

HAGOOD -- Nadine Hagood, a resident of Albuquerque for over 65 years, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 94. Nadine was a member of First Presbyterian Church for 63 years where she faithfully served in many diverse capacities. She was preceded in death by her son, Dr. Kenneth Hagood of Oklahoma City; and her beloved husband of over 66 years, Wendell Hagood. She is survived by her daughter, Sallie (Sarah) Janpol of Albuquerque; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Robert Goolsby of Idabel, Oklahoma; grandson Mark Goolsby and wife Ramona of Idabel, Oklahoma; and two sisters Jessie Owens of Carrollton, Texas and Myra Jean Cunningham of Cookson, Oklahoma. This gracious and classy lady with the gleam in her eye began her teaching career in her hometown of Caddo, Oklahoma and later returned to teaching at Eubank Elementary School in Albuquerque where she taught for 15 years. After retirement, she kept in touch with students via correspondence and they often stopped by to see her. Nadine loved her bridge game, travel, and a great party. Intensely loyal and dependable, she treasured friends and family, and they returned her devotion in equal measure. Nadine was a member of the PEO, the American Association of University Women, and the Knife & Fork Club of Albuquerque. Our profound thanks is offered to her devoted caregivers Zinnia Sillivent, Amelia Trevizo, Laura Noceda, LeeAnne Teahan, and Jeanette Lovato, who adored and lovingly cared for this gallant lady,. They consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. Also, our deepest appreciation is extended to Heartland Hospice for their constant attention to our family's needs. They supported us with caring professionalism and genuine compassion. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust NE, July 21, Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Albuquerque or to Heartland Hospice of Albuquerque.
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

HARRIS -- Joseph "Joe" Anthony Harris, Sr., Joe was born in South Ozone Park, Brooklyn, New York to Arthur and Helen Harris. He grew up on Long Island with his big Italian family. He moved to New Mexico in the late 1970's with his parents to finish out school at Cibola High School. He worked at Spartan for a couple of years in Rio Rancho until he decided he wanted to either be a Marine or a Police Officer. He applied to both the Marines and Albuquerque Police Department and decided that whoever called first would be the one he went with, so he became an APD officer. He started with Rio Rancho soon after in 1984 and was one of the first dozen or so original Rio Rancho police officers. He immediately decided that community relations were his calling. He started the D.A.R.E. program here and continued on to run the G.R.E.A.T. program, Neighborhood Watch, McGruff the Crime Dog, Including the Citizen Police Academy and any other program he could bring to the department that had to do with the community safety. He also was a patrol officer, cross-trained in fire-fighting and EMT. He served his 20 years with Rio Rancho Police and retired in 2004. He had to wait a mandatory 90 days before he could again start with law enforcement, so on day 91 he was sworn in as a deputy with Sandoval County. He immediately began successfully turning that department into a community minded police department as well. He met Theresa Moriarty 4 years ago. When he found out she was a retired New York police officer, he recruited her to be his partner. Soon we realized that Joe and Theresa were brother and sister separated at birth. Anyone who knew the two of them, especially together, could attest to their closeness and similarities. Joe was a great Christian man; he attended Rio Rancho Calvary Church. He loved God, and if you listened when he drove by you, you would here the Christian radio station blasting out of his Police Unit and him singing along. If you ever ate a meal with him, be ready for a prayer, a long one. He was also the owner of Elite Personal Protection, did body guarding for celebrities and taught concealed carry classes. He loved teaching others how to live safe and stay safe. Joe was the quintessential father to his children. He was always generous, with his money, time and love. He loved them fiercely, and took his roll in raising children very seriously. He never went anywhere without his sons, Joe Jr. and David. As they grew older in this community, they learned the way of their father, and they soon found out, everyone knows Joe Harris. In 1999 his joy, Allyson, was born. If there was ever a father in love with his daughter, this was it. She was his eternal joy; from playing barbies together, to having their infamous "daddy date days" to making sure he snuggled her to sleep every single night. Joe and Tonia met in 1993. Their first date was Joe picking her up from work and taking her to downtown court to talk to his judge friend to "fix" her ticket. That was it, he impressed her and the rest is history. They married in 1994 and had just celebrated their 15th anniversary in May. Joe always said that no one thought they would make it, but they did. Joe was the most dedicated police officer Rio Rancho ever knew. When people asked him why he kept doing it, he just replied, I'm not done yet. You could easily spot Joe around Sandoval County, in his 9-11 commemorative sheriff's department vehicle he designed, eating at his many friend's restaurants, going into schools with is K-9 partner, Harley, on his motorcycle, at the gym, in his big truck driving around, or chilling at home with Tonia and Ally in the paradise of a backyard he designed. Joe died a hero, doing exactly what he wanted to be doing. No one will ever replace him, nor can they, he left big shoes to fill, and they will always remain empty. Joe is survived by his wife, Tonia Harris of Rio Rancho; children, Allyson McKenna Harris of Rio Rancho, David Joseph Harris of Rio Rancho, Joseph Anthony Harris, Jr. of Everett, WA, Charis Morse of San Antonio, TX, and Jocelyn Harris of Rio Rancho; grandchildren, Jordan and Christian; aunt, Louise LoGuercio; Harley Harris (His police dog); and numerous other family and friends throughout New Mexico, New York, and Florida. The Visitation for Joe will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2009 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Monday, July 20, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Road at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho. The Service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Santa Ana Star Center, 3001 Civic Center Dr., Rio Rancho. Private Interment with his family and law enforcement family will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho with full Police honors. A reception will be held after the services at the Rio Rancho Mid-High School, 1600 40th St. NE, Rio Rancho. A Memorial Fund will be established in Joe's name, so for now, contributions may be sent to Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Rd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 in his name. For those who wish, you may send condolences to the family at www.danielsfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 (505) 892-9920
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

HATHORN -- Earl Harold Hathorn passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. His beloved wife of 63 years, Dawn, was by his side. He was a native New Mexican born in Alamogordo, New Mexico, May 5, 1922. He is preceded in death by his parents; Irvin and Maggie Hathorn; his brother Henry Hathorn; and his two sisters Pearl Bailey and Opal Sheppard. He has one remaining sister, Ruby Steele of Comanche, Texas. He is survived by his three daughters; Donna Andersen and son-in-law, Gary Andersen, Niki Hathorn and Natalie Hathorn. He also leaves two very loving grandchildren; Garrett Andersen and Tara Alexander. Earl and Dawn moved to Las Cruces in 2000 after living in Cliff, New Mexico for 46 years. Mr. Hathorn served as principal at the Cliff School for 27 years. A viewing will be held at Getz Funeral Home at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2009. The services will be held at Getz Funeral Home on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be held immediately after the service at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM, 88005. Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. For private condolences log on to: www.GetzFuneralHome.com
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

LOVATO -- Tyrone Shawn IN LOVING MEMORY OF TYRONE SHAWN LOVATO 8-12-80 to 7-20-94 Truly our blessing Yes! Reality Our Angel No! Too Soon Easy? No never to accept!! by Auntie Deb We love and miss you Gone too soon! Mom, brother and family
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

MARTINEZ -- Leonardita Martinez, 71, life long resident of Albuquerque, passed away July 18, 2009, with her family at her side. She is survived by her loving husband of fifty three years, Tony; her children, daughter Diana Alfaro and husband Joe; son Michael Martinez; daughter Shirley Sanchez; and son Pat Martinez; four sisters Lupe Salazar, Gloria Muller, Cleo Marquez and Geneva Garcia; ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Leonardita was preceded in death by her parents, Andres and Anita Garcia; one grandson, Julius Sanchez; and her sister Candelaria Herrera. Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Child Catholic Parish, 19 Camino del Santo Nino, Tijeras, NM 87059. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, also at Holy Child Parish, with burial following at the Chilili Cemetery. Please visit our online guestbook for Leonardita at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

O'NEAL -- Dorothy Mae Jones O'Neal, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Born in 1915 in Independence, Kansas, Dorothy moved with her family to Albuquerque at an early age. She graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1933. After graduation, she moved to New York City to live with one of her sisters and knew many of the early stars of the Broadway stage. She also lived in Florida and Chicago before returning to Albuquerque. Dorothy and her daughters moved to Carlsbad, NM in 1951 to live near another sister, and lived there until her retirement and another move home to Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her parents, R.A. and Mae Jones; husband, Walter O'Neal; three sisters, Venus Speer, Mickey Bowyer, and Vivian Vance Dodds; and her daughter, Vivian Wilkison. She is survived by her brother, Robert Jones; sister, Lou Ann Graham; daughter, Marty Wilson and husband, Rodney Wilson; son-in-law, David Wilkison and wife, Nancy Witter. Dorothy, or Nonny as we knew her, is also survived by loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Greg Williams and wife, Laurie, their children, Abby, Nick, and Ryan; Laurie Wilkison and Thom Downing; Jenny and Joel Bryant; Erin Young and husband, Mark, their children, Cade and Carter; and Patrick Williams and wife, Lindsey, and baby Kate. Dorothy's extended family includes a nephew, many nieces, and great-nephews and great-nieces. Dorothy will be remembered for her ready wit, her love of music, her amazing memory and her love of family and New Mexico. She was a fountain of knowledge about early Albuquerque, including stories of her participation in the founding of Albuquerque Little Theater, the early years of the Kimo Theater, and memories of working at Tingley Beach and the family grocery store at Broadway and Coal. The family wishes to thank the many loving caretakers at La Vida Llena Retirement Home. Memorial Services will be held Monday, July 20, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead Ave. SW. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to All Faith's Receiving Home, 1709 Moon St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, where Dorothy was a volunteer for many years, or to the charity of your choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Dorothy at www.RememberTheirStory.com French 1111 University Blvd. NE. (505) 843-6333
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

ROBERTSON -- Geneva June Robertson passed away July 18, 2009 at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice in Albuquerque at the age of 84. June, as she was known to her friends was born May 3, 1925 in Browning Illinois, the only daughter of Michael and Mary Ellen Baum. She is survived by her son Mark and his wife Linda; and their two sons, Travis and Matt. Other survivors include her brother Delmar Baum and his wife Erma of Canton, Illinois. June grew up in Canton, Illinois during the depression and graduated high school with honors. From there she attended the University of Illinois in Champaign where she received her undergraduate degree. Her quest for continuing education led her to the University of Wisconsin at Madison where on scholarship she achieved a PhD in Endocrinology. It was at the university where she met Mert, her husband of fifty years. They married in October of 1957 when both were enrolled as graduate students. June, Mert and their two-year-old son, Mark, moved to Albuquerque in 1960 where Mert began his career at Sandia. June spent her career as mother to her son, caregiver to her husband and friend to all that she met. Always interested in political events, she was very involved with the League of Women Voters and was president of the Albuquerque chapter during the 1970's. She will be remembered for her graciousness and selflessness, even as she battled the cancer that would eventually take her from us. In keeping with her personality, she wanted no special service upon her passing. For those local friends that would like to reflect on her life, there will be a small gathering at her home on Monday evening, July 20, at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society are requested.
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

SEELEY -- Isabella Perry Seeley, 83, of Albuquerque passed into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on July 18, 2009, after a valiant fight with cancer. She spent her last day with her loving family and friends, doing what she loved the most: being serenaded by her three sons. Isabella was born in Miami, FL, on April 2, 1926, to Jennie Morris and Joseph B. Perry. She grew up in Alabama and Wilkes Barre, PA, where she graduated from high school. She attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. Isabella married Floyd J. Seeley on August 14, 1946. While Floyd worked in the military and government, they enjoyed living and traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe. She retired as an Auditor with the U.S. General Accounting Office in Dallas, TX. Isabella was a faithful member of the Northeast Church of Christ. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the devotion church members provided her. Isabella was predeceased by her beloved husband, Floyd; her parents; and two brothers, Richard Howell Perry and Bert M. Perry. She is survived by her three sons Steven (wife Carolyn), of Dana Point, CA, Michael (wife Louise) of Eagle, ID, and Chuck (wife Colleen) of Corrales, NM; eight grandchildren Ryan and Erin Seeley; Amber Hackett, Mike and Drew Seeley; Ben Dion; and Martin and Matthew Seeley; and six great-grandchildren; Helaina, Eden and Kane Hackett; Colton and Parker Seeley; and Peyton Woolcott. She is also survived by one brother and one sister: Francis M. Perry (wife Charlotte) of Franklin, TN; and Betty Jo Corcoran of Fairhope, AL, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Northeast Church of Christ, 11000 Paseo del Norte on July 21, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Friends may visit at French Wyoming Blvd Chapel, Monday, July 20, 2009 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Northeast Church of Christ Building Fund is requested. Please visit our online guestbook for Isabella at RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

SHAFER -- Wilda Shafer was born on January 14, 1913 and passed away on July 11, 2009. At this time, no services have been arranged. Arrangements in care of RIVERSIDE FUNERAL HOME OF ALBUQUERQUE 225 San Mateo NE 764-9663
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

STURTCMAN -- William H. In memory of William H. Sturtcman July 20th will always be remembered as a significant day in history. The first man walked on the Moon and we lost a very special man "Papa". We will always remember your wisdom and humor. Your loving family
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009

WRIGHT -- Donald Lee Wright (Ret) M/SGT, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2009 and was born in Long Beach, CA on August 16, 1933, and raised on Catalina Island, CA to Freda Grace Wagner and Owen Wright. He is survived by his wife, Mary Wright, of the family home; daughters, Michele DeJong and husband, Ralph, and Stacy Wright; son, Steve Wright and wife, Elaine; grandchildren, Joshua Chiles, Andrea Chapman and husband, Chris, Alicia Chiles, Anthony Kleinhenz, Chris Wright and wife, Laura, Michael Kleinhenz, Dominick Russo, and Caleb Wright; great-grandchildren, Lucy Saint-Chiles, Lucas and Bella Grace Chapman; cousin, Dennis Hite; brothers-in-law, Joseph Viarreal, Elizaido Viarreal and wife, Victoria, Bob Viarreal, Larry Viarreal and wife, Veronica, John Viarreal, Kenneth Viarreal and wife, Ida; sisters-in-law, Teresa Valdez and husband, Mike, Orlinda Martinez, Jeanette Espinosa and husband, Tom, Clara Romero and husband, Frank; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Don was preceded in death by granddaughter Amanda Wright; his father Owen Wright; mother Freda Grace; and stepfather, Michael Reyes; maternal grandparents, Anna and John Jacob Wagner; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Wright; aunt, Lavonia Gay. Don enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and was stationed in many states and countries during his service which include, New York, Japan, Northern New Mexico, Tucson, Arizona, Saglak Labrador, Kirtland AFB in New Mexico, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Foreign Language Institute Langley, VA, Moron AFB Spain, Da Nang, Vietnam, Cannon AFB, NM, Manila, Philippine Islands, Tinker AFB Oklahoma, Rhein Main AB Germany. He served in the US Air Force 26 years as an air traffic controller. Don received a Commendation Medal in 1966-1967 for being a Watch Supervisor at Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam, Air Force Commendation Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, in July 1971 to January 1974 at Tinker Air Force Base, OK, Meritorious Medal from Rhein Main AB, Germany, while serving from January 1974 to August 1977, and graduated from the University of Maryland with a Associates Arts Degree and had a Bachelor's Degree of University Studies from the University of New Mexico. He was employed by APS as a substitute teacher before going to work for the US Government as a US Customs Agent. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at French Wyoming Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE. Interment of cremated remains will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Please visit our online guestbook for Don at RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Mon July 20, 2009