David Ray Thaggard

David Ray Thaggard, 56, of Newkirk, New Mexico, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 25, 2008. David was born in Artesia, New Mexico, on November 28, 1951, the son of Lloyd I. Thaggard and Mavis M. Owens Thaggard. He attended schools in Artesia, Albuquerque, and Anchorage, Alaska, where he graduated from high school. He returned to New Mexico in the 1980s, and except for a short time period when he lived in Phoenix, Arizona, he has remained in Newkirk since then. David worked locally for area ranchers as a laborer, and he was known as a hard worker. He was an avid reader, and his other interests included looking for arrowheads, taking care of his pets, and relaxing with his friends. David was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by three brothers: George Thaggard and Jack Thaggard, both of Anchorage, Alaska, and Don Thaggard and wife Wanda, of Phoenix, Arizona. David will be missed by his friends and neighbors in Newkirk, and especially by Dwayne and Kenny Wilkerson, who are cousins, and by his longtime neighbor Leroy Knowles. Graveside services will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Monday, December 1, 2008, at the Newkirk Cemetery, Deacon Marvin Marquez will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa, NM. (575) 472-3369.