Stockton Larry O. Obit
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Stockton Larry O. Obit
Las Cruces Sun News
26 Sept 2008
Larry O. Stockton, age 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, September 14, 2008 just before midnight at Mesilla Valley Hospice ~ La Posada. He was surrounded by family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church.
Larry Stockton was preceded in death by his faithful wife of 62 years, Florine Stockton, his parents and brother Ralph Stockton.
He leaves behind his son Brooky Stockton and wife JoAnn of Tijeras, NM; daughter Gayrene Weaver and husband Mack of Las Cruces; his sister, Helen McFaden of Alamogordo; eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and nephew and nieces.
Larry Stockton was born to Henry and LaRue Stockton June 11, 1918 in Belen, NM and was raised in Magdalena where he excelled in academics and sports. As a sprinter he held the state record in the 100-yard dash for many decades. He attended New Mexico Normal, now Highlands University at Las Vegas, NM on an athletic scholarship in football, basketball, and track. It was there that he met his sweetheart and future wife, Florine. After graduating in 1940 from Normal College, Larry taught and coached in Clayton, NM. With WWII imminent, Larry signed up in the Navy for 4 years rather than be drafted. He quickly became a lieutenant in the Navy and was chosen by Commander Gene Tunney, former world Heavyweight Boxing Champion, to help train sailors. After marrying Florine on February 14, 1942, Larry was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas Naval Air Station where he helped develop an athletic field and complex to condition soldiers before they were deployed over seas. Larry also organized many national athletic events for soldiers who had put their athletic dreams on hold to serve in WWII. This athletic complex became a hub of sports events and competitions of some of the great athletes of this era. In 1951 Larry put aside his coaching career to devote more time to his growing family. He was a principal at Carrizozo and later a vice-principal and counselor in Alamogordo. In 1960 New Mexico State University invited Larry to help establish a counseling program. He was also in charge of foreign students, fraternities, Freshmen Orientation, and student discipline at the growing university. He served in this capacity as Dean of Men until 1979. He counseled many young men in their college and life goals and had the reputation of being fair, caring, and a person who could get things done. Dean Stockton was also known across NMSU for unwaveringly high ethical standards, firm in his convictions and principles even if it wasn't popular. His wisdom and insight helped guide the university during the turbulent years of the 1960's and the changes of the 70's. After 37 years in education Larry retired in 1979.Always a God fearing man, in 1966 Larry came to understand the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. He never hesitated sharing his faith with anyone, including students, faculty and administrators. In 1967 he started a Bible study in his and Florine's home. Bethel Bible Fellowship grew out of this home meeting where he used his wisdom and experience to lead this young church. He was also known for his Letters to the Editor in the Sun News, were he often questioned the ethics and morality of public policy. He was fondly referred to as the "conscience of Dona Ana County." Although unwavering in his beliefs and views on the issues, he respected his opponents, their views and enjoyed the public discourse. Larry loved his role as husband, father and grandfather. With Florine his wife of 62 years, Larry enjoyed fishing, camping, dancing, and walking their dogs. In his role as a grandfather, he purposely spent time with each of his grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with the grand kids, watching their football or soccer games, or faithfully attending their ballet recitals or music concerts. His love for his family, friends, and people made him an outgoing and memorable person. Larry courageously fought Alzheimer's and even in the end maintained his humor and appreciation for life. He often said, "I've had a wonderful life!" Larry Stockton lived his life with integrity, zeal, and faith, leaving a wonderful legacy to those who loved and knew him.
LaPaz-Graham's Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces, N.M. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com.
26 Sept 2008
Larry O. Stockton, age 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, September 14, 2008 just before midnight at Mesilla Valley Hospice ~ La Posada. He was surrounded by family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church.
Larry Stockton was preceded in death by his faithful wife of 62 years, Florine Stockton, his parents and brother Ralph Stockton.
He leaves behind his son Brooky Stockton and wife JoAnn of Tijeras, NM; daughter Gayrene Weaver and husband Mack of Las Cruces; his sister, Helen McFaden of Alamogordo; eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and nephew and nieces.
Larry Stockton was born to Henry and LaRue Stockton June 11, 1918 in Belen, NM and was raised in Magdalena where he excelled in academics and sports. As a sprinter he held the state record in the 100-yard dash for many decades. He attended New Mexico Normal, now Highlands University at Las Vegas, NM on an athletic scholarship in football, basketball, and track. It was there that he met his sweetheart and future wife, Florine. After graduating in 1940 from Normal College, Larry taught and coached in Clayton, NM. With WWII imminent, Larry signed up in the Navy for 4 years rather than be drafted. He quickly became a lieutenant in the Navy and was chosen by Commander Gene Tunney, former world Heavyweight Boxing Champion, to help train sailors. After marrying Florine on February 14, 1942, Larry was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas Naval Air Station where he helped develop an athletic field and complex to condition soldiers before they were deployed over seas. Larry also organized many national athletic events for soldiers who had put their athletic dreams on hold to serve in WWII. This athletic complex became a hub of sports events and competitions of some of the great athletes of this era. In 1951 Larry put aside his coaching career to devote more time to his growing family. He was a principal at Carrizozo and later a vice-principal and counselor in Alamogordo. In 1960 New Mexico State University invited Larry to help establish a counseling program. He was also in charge of foreign students, fraternities, Freshmen Orientation, and student discipline at the growing university. He served in this capacity as Dean of Men until 1979. He counseled many young men in their college and life goals and had the reputation of being fair, caring, and a person who could get things done. Dean Stockton was also known across NMSU for unwaveringly high ethical standards, firm in his convictions and principles even if it wasn't popular. His wisdom and insight helped guide the university during the turbulent years of the 1960's and the changes of the 70's. After 37 years in education Larry retired in 1979.Always a God fearing man, in 1966 Larry came to understand the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. He never hesitated sharing his faith with anyone, including students, faculty and administrators. In 1967 he started a Bible study in his and Florine's home. Bethel Bible Fellowship grew out of this home meeting where he used his wisdom and experience to lead this young church. He was also known for his Letters to the Editor in the Sun News, were he often questioned the ethics and morality of public policy. He was fondly referred to as the "conscience of Dona Ana County." Although unwavering in his beliefs and views on the issues, he respected his opponents, their views and enjoyed the public discourse. Larry loved his role as husband, father and grandfather. With Florine his wife of 62 years, Larry enjoyed fishing, camping, dancing, and walking their dogs. In his role as a grandfather, he purposely spent time with each of his grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with the grand kids, watching their football or soccer games, or faithfully attending their ballet recitals or music concerts. His love for his family, friends, and people made him an outgoing and memorable person. Larry courageously fought Alzheimer's and even in the end maintained his humor and appreciation for life. He often said, "I've had a wonderful life!" Larry Stockton lived his life with integrity, zeal, and faith, leaving a wonderful legacy to those who loved and knew him.
LaPaz-Graham's Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces, N.M. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com.