Raymond Dale Heckathorn

Raymond Dale Heckathorn, 61 of Fort Sumner, NM died Thursday, April 2, 2009 at his home following an illness. Raymond was born November 12, 1947 in Fort Worth, TX to the home of Buhel and Neva (Carter) Heckathorn. Raymond was raised in Nevada, graduated from Elko Nevada High School. He attended the University of Nevada at Reno where he received his Bachelors Degree in Engineering. He served in the U.S. Army from May 8, 1968 1968 until his honorable discharge February 9, 1970. His Military occupation was an Artillery surveyor. He received the National Defense Service Medal and a Sharp Shooter Commendation. He served with the First Battalion 78th Artillery, Second Armored Division, Fourth US Army. Raymond married Kathleen A. Meister on January 30, 1970 in Humble, Texas. He worked for the Corp of Engineers at various military bases throughout New Mexico and Texas for 38 years. He retired on November 16, 2002. He made his home in Las Cruces, NM for many years before moving to Fort Sumner in 2005. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents. Raymond was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Kathleen Heckathorn of Fort Sumner, NM; three daughters Kim Heckathorn of Seattle, WA; Nicole Heckathorn and husband Rick Chavez of Las Cruces, NM; Amanda Kenyon and husband Rusty of Fort Sumner; three grandchildren Donetto Heckathorn-Chavez, Katelynn Kenyon and Madison Rae Kenyon along with nieces, nephews and his extended family. Cremation has taken place. No services are planned in Fort Sumner. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, April 25, 2009 at Baca’s Funeral Chapel in Las Cruces, NM. A reception will follow at the Mesilla Community Center. Local arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To sign the guest book or place an online tribute, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com