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Drew Cloud, a resident of Albuquerque since 1960 and formerly of Carlsbad, died Wednesday, September 22, 1999, after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bobbie; daughter, Linda and husband, Bob Stover; grandson, Drew Arthur Olmsted, all of Albuquerque; two brothers, Jim Cloud and wife, Fleeta of Lubbock, TX and Don Cloud and wife, Shirley of El Paso, TX; two sisters, Margaret Hovermale of Schertz, TX and Ann Andress and husband, Don of Seattle, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him. Drew was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Nellie Cloud; and a sister, Dorothy Olson. He was born in Comanche, TX on November 27, 1923. His family moved to Carlsbad when he was very young and Carlsbad was his home until 1960. Drew was a patriotic man and he lived his life helping others. He joined the Army in 1942 and went to serve in North Africa and Italy. He was discharged in 1946. When he returned home from war, he worked in the IMCC potash mine and became a union representative. He was very good at the bargaining table during negotiations between management and workers. In 1957, he was elected State Representative to the Legislature from Eddy County and served two terms. Immediately upon his return from WWII, Drew became active in Veterans affairs, especially the American Legion, of which he was a life member. He moved his family from Carlsbad to Albuquerque to become the Department Adjutant of The American Legion. One of his joys with The American Legion was being a lecturer and counselor at New Mexico Boys State. He served in that position until President John F. Kennedy appointed him State Director of the Farmers Home Administration. In 1983, he was named the Outstanding State Director in the United States. Drew retired from FHA in 1985. He also served as Executive Director of the New Mexico Rural Rehabilitation Corporation until his death. An avid Democrat all of his life, he had always worked in political campaigns. In 1970, when Bruce King was selected as the party's candidate for Governor, he appointed Drew as State Chairman of the Democratic Party. During Governor King's terms as Governor, Drew served as Chairman of the State Racing Commission, Chairman of the New Mexico Veterans Service Commission, and other assignments too numerous to list. He was chosen for the Democratic Hall of Fame in 1990. Drew had always been a community volunteer and found time to work with numerous organizations on the local, state and national level. He was proud to be a part of obtaining funding and support for the Veterans Memorial Park on Louisiana Avenue. The Fraternal Order of Police chose him for the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award in 1973. Drew was a member of First Baptist Church, Temple Lodge No. 6 AF & AM, Ballut Abyad Temple, Albuquerque Scottish Rite Club, B.P.O. Elks Lodge #461, Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 80, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and"40 & 8" Voiture Locale #703. Drew was respected and he loved life. He will be remembered for his quick smile and ability to bring joy to others. His proud legacy will live on for all whose lives he touched. He enjoyed being an usher at his church and especially enjoyed participating in his bible study class. He was an usher until his health began to fail. To be sure, he will forever be remembered. Services will be held Monday, September 27, 1999, 10:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church, 101 Broadway NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. Interment will take place 12:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Lackmann, John Maguire, Drew Olmsted, Rene Sedillo, Hanson Scott, and Fred Tuggle. Honorary pallbearers will be O.J. McCarty, Carroll Hunton, Joe Torres, Max Sanchez, Tom Dunigan, Governor Bruce King, Senator Manny Aragon, Speaker Raymond Sanchez, Mike Anaya, Ray Powell, Mike D'Arco, and Art Trujillo. Eulogy will be given by former Mayor Martin Chavez. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Sunday, September 26, 1999, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Lung Association of New Mexico, 216 Truman St. NE, 87108 or to Noon Day Ministries, P.O. Box 26446, 87125-6441. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
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