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Oran T. Caton died Friday, July 23 at age 93. He was born on August 24, 1916 in a half-dugout near Plain, NM in Quay County. He was the youngest of nine children born to homesteaders Nimrod Lemuel Caton and Consuela Gilmore Caton, all of whom predeceased him. In 1979, he was preceded in death by Mary Virginia "Ginger" Miller Caton, his wife of 41 years. He is survived by his daughter Sharon Caton Wright, and her husband Sheldon; grandson Derek and wife Michelle; grandson Brennan and wife Marie; and great-grandchildren Cameron, Sydnee, Morighan, Alexandra and Samantha. He was the last family member of his generation to pass away and is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Oran graduated from Forrest High School and was a member of the legendary 1933 NM state championship basketball team. Oran received a BA and MA from New Mexico Highlands University, where he was a basketball letterman. Oran coached and taught in Cliff, NM from 1938-1941 and worked for the US Forest Service in the Gila Wilderness during the summers. From 1942-1945, he was an Experimental Planner at Douglas Aircraft in California. He returned to New Mexico and coached at Santa Rosa High School from 1945-1947. From there, he was recruited for a coaching position with Albuquerque Public Schools. He was the first principal at Sandia Base Elementary and served as principal of Monte Vista Elementary for 22 years. He was also an assistant principal at Bel Air, Hodgin, Carlos Rey and Rio Rancho elementary schools. He was a past president of the New Mexico Schools Master Club and was active in numerous other educational organizations over his 40 year career. He retired from APS in 1980 after 33 years of service. Oran was an avid sports fan. For decades, he never missed a Lobo football or basketball game, the state high school basketball tournament or the state track meet. He loved following his nephews, nieces, and grandsons who were involved in high school and college athletics. He was a member of Albuquerque Masonic Lodge #60 and Trinity United Methodist Church. After retiring from APS, he worked as a real estate agent and moved to Bosque Farms where he lived for over 25 years. In 2008, he returned to Albuquerque where he resided until his death. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are encouraged to consider an organization of their choice that supports and encourages children. Friends and family may visit on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at French ~ Wyoming from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Services will be held at French ~ Wyoming Chapel on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Please visit our online guestbook for Oran at www.RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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