Carl Vick

Carl “Chick” Vick 83, of Fort Sumner, NM died Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at his home following an illness. Carl was born February 28, 1926 in Roscoe, TX the son of Jess Oren Vick and the former Carrie Amelia Harralson. Carl made Fort Sumner his home in 1937. He attended Fort Sumner Schools. Carl married Betty Jo Brown on August 15, 1948 at the Fort Sumner Church of Christ. He served in the U.S. Navy from February 23, 1944 until his honorable discharge on May 13, 1946. He served in the South Pacific as a Radar Operator aboard the USS Hancock; and USS Cape Esperance the first ship to enter Tokoyo Bay. Carl served 30 years with the NM National Guard as 1st Sergeant of the (Radio Controlled Aircraft) RCAT Unit, he considered himself privileged to serve with three generations of exemplary young men from the Eastern NM area. He retired from the NM National Guard in 1986. Following his retirement he worked for the NASA Scientific Balloon Research Facility in Fort Sumner for 18 years. Carl was a member of the Church of Christ; a lifelong member of the Pitiful Golfers Association – local chapter, community spirited always looking for the betterment of the community. He was always looking for something – anything dangerous going fast or high including water skiing, golfing, flying R-CATS and R-KITTYS (NM National Guard unmanned target aircraft), fishing, hunting, or maintaining a golf course he built. He was a husband and father of a highest order. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers Melvin Vick, Dick Vick, Rex Vick, Horace “Hoss” Vick and a grandson John Carl Bilberry in 1992. Survivors include his wife of 61 years Betty Vick of Fort Sumner, NM; a daughter Carlyn Hodges and husband Eric of Durango, CO; four sons Dr. Jack Vick and wife Joan of Albuquerque and Fort Sumner, NM; Joe Vick of Ventura, CA; Jim Vick of Oxnard, CA; Jeff Vick and wife Shannon of Azel, TX; a brother J.O. Vick and wife Bonnie of Santa Rosa, NM; two sisters Margarete Walker and Bobbie Franks both of Fort Sumner a sister in law Barnedith Vick of Clovis. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 27, 2010 from Fort Sumner Church of Christ, Jack Vick will officiate. Burial with full Military Honors provided by the NM National Guard will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jacob Vick, Jeffery Vick, Kameren Hare, Joe Vick, Jeff Vick and Jim Vick. The family requests memorial contributions in Carl’s memory to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80222-3313. (303) 296-6610. All arrangements are entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com