Bill Earnhardt

William “Bill” Earnhardt, 77 of Fort Sumner passed away at his home Tuesday evening, December 15, 2009. His family was at his bedside. Bill was born April 24, 1932 in East Spencer, NC the son of Clarence Calvin and Lala Earnhardt. He was attended school in Salisbury, NC; and graduated from American School in Chicago, Illinois on January 2, 1953. Bill attended Merced College, Merced, CA where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree on June 7, 1968. Bill served in the U.S. Air Force for 18 years; he enlisted in August 1948 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. He was assigned to the 93rd Armament and Electrical Squadron, he completed training as a Bomb Navigational System Technician at Castle Air Force Base, CA. While in the service Bill met and married Patsy Inez Gryder on February 17, 1951 in Albuquerque, NM. Bill was honorably discharged with the Rank of TSgt (E-6) on November 5, 1966. Following his honorable discharge Bill worked for the Burroughs Corp. in Albuquerque for several years. Bill and Pat made their home in Fort Sumner in 1977 where he was employed as a dispatcher for the De Baca County Sheriff Department. He also worked for many years as the parts manager for the Fort Sumner Ford dealership. Bill was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Masonic Lodge. Bill is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters Doris Miller, Lola McCulloh, Barbara Peacock and a brother Charles Seay Earnhardt who died at age 15. He was a loving husband and father. A Mr. Fixit to his family, Bill enjoyed welding, fishing, hunting and golf. Bill is survived by his wife Patsy of the home in Fort Sumner; three daughters Alexine Benson and husband Glen; Janice Kelton and husband Jim all of Oklahoma City, OK; Linda Burch and husband Garth of Albuquerque, NM; one sister Mary Bost of North Carolina; a granddaughter Jennifer Nicole Burch of Albuquerque; five grandsons Charles William Hirdman and wife Michelle of Oklahoma City; Jeremy Lowell Carlson of Albuquerque; James Dean Howell and wife Heather of Oklahoma City, OK; Steven Patrick Howell of Philadelphia, PA and Garth Edwin Burch II of Albuquerque. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren Devin Jacob Hirdman and Riley Ann Howell along with several nieces, nephews other relatives and his dear pet and companion Ernie. Funeral services will be held at 6:00 PM Thursday, December 17, 2009 from the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Sumner with Dan Craig officiating. Cannon Air Force Base Honor Guard will provide Military Honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com