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Earl Nunn, 86, a prominent New Mexico public schools educator, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2001. He was preceded in death by Cora Lea, his beloved wife of 63 years. Mr. Nunn was born February 7, 1915 in Gainesville, TX to John Ruby and Elizabeth Nunn. The family moved to Union County in northeastern New Mexico in 1917, where he was reared on a dry land farm with four older brothers, all of whom preceded him in death. Earl began his career in education at the age of 18 in a two-room school in the little village of Mansker, NM. Teaching in the winter and attending college in the summer, he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at New Mexico Highlands University and was awarded an honorary doctorate from New Mexico State University. He served as superintendent of schools in Folsom, Des Moines, Springer, Alamogordo and Las Cruces before retiring and becoming the first executive secretary of the New Mexico School Administratorsť Administration. He was instrumental in the creation of the New Mexico education retirement system and advised governors and legislators on educational matters, including the state-wide implementation of the public school transportation system, the lunchroom program and free textbooks. After his retirement, he was actively involved with AARP and the Agency on Aging, serving on advisory boards with both organizations. During World War II, he was one of the 90-day wonders commissioned as a lieutenant j.g., in the US Navy. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions aboard the destroyer, the USS Mahan, sunk in Leyte Gulf in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of the Del Norte Baptist Church and the Gate City Lodge #11, A.F. & A.M. Mr. Nunn is survived by his daughter, Patsy Carmichael of Albuquerque and her children, Carlton and wife, Tiffani of Edgewood, Kevin and wife, Diane of Atlanta, GA and Kathy of Plantation, FL; his son, Robert of Albuquerque and his daughter-in-law and friend, Kathleen Nunn and their children, Reid and wife, Gretchen, Michelle and Tyler, all of Albuquerque; and four great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held Thursday, 10:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. Private interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association NM Chapter, 1330 San Pedro NE, Suite 205, 87110. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
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