All Obituaries

Johanna Mae Gipson, 71, was born on March 27, 1955, at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas and passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, after a long illness with her husband by her side at their home here in Alamogordo. She was the oldest daughter of Stanley and Frances Johnson which preceded her in death. Johanna, or Jo, worked for the Presto company here in Alamogordo for several years and until they shut down operations in Alamogordo. She was active with the VFW Post 7686 here in ...

Bill Taylor passed away on June 29, 2026, at the age of 84. He was born on June 3, 1942, in Alamogordo, NM. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Lee Taylor and his parents, Donald G. Taylor and Paulee Prather Taylor. He is survived by his daughter, Ellie Taylor of Pinon, NM; sister, Jeanie Groves and husband Jim of Las Cruces, NM; niece, Paula Groves of Las Cruces; two great nieces, Jordyn and Morgyn Gallegos; uncle Billy Budagher; stepbrother, Frank Mathis; numerous cousins. Bill ...

James R. Kerlin Jr. of Alamogordo, NM passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born in Bayonne, NJ on April 1, 1943.  Jim dedicated his life to be a devoted servant of God. He was known for his love of church, family and friends. He brought joy to all who knew him.  Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Renee Kerlin; daughter, Jessica Powell; sons, Jim and Jason Kerlin; sister, Barbara Acanfrio; brother, Stanley Pierce. A Celebration of Life ...

Sam Wilson Fairchild, 79, passed away on June 28, 2026, at his home in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He was born on August 10, 1946, in Alamogordo, New Mexico to Tom Fairchild and Maude Fairchild (nee Clock).  Survivors include his daughter, Deanna Pate, and his sister, Helen Martin, both of Alamogordo. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Maude and Tom Fairchild; his son, Tom Fairchild; his wife, Marilyn Fairchild.  Graveside services will be held at Monte Vista ...

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Daniel Chavez on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his home in Alamogordo, NM. Daniel was born on September 11, 1988, in Desplaines, Illinois, beloved son of Tobias and Xochitl Chavez and sibling to Jorge and Laura. Daniel enjoyed collecting Pokemon cards and coins, as well as boxing. He loved playing chess, and he was so good at it. He also loved Italian food, especially Pizza We always got together on weekends to watch a game or a ...

Phillip Gray, 69, passed away on June 27, 2026. He was born in Hillsdale, MI. Phillip served our country in the US Army for 6 years. Later, he moved to Alamogordo and started working at Presto Manufacturing, where he met and married his best friend and love, Monica. He stayed at Presto for 19 years until their doors closed. He also worked at Mesa Verde and Walmart, meeting lots of wonderful people along the way. Phillip poured his heart and life into Jesus and others. He dedicated his life ...

Aylâ Hightower of Alamogordo, NM, passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on July 12, 1939, in Istanbul, Turkey, to Zehra Ener.  Aylâ immigrated to the United States as a young woman and married Richard Underwood in the late 1950’s. The couple settled for a time in Lincoln, NE where they began raising their family. Together they had three children: Richard “Rick” Underwood, Tammy Underwood, and Wendy (Underwood) Muñiz. In 1972, ...

Edward “Ed” Whitmal Turner passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ed was born to G.W. and Elodia “Brusuelas” Turner in Alamogordo, New Mexico, on June 29, 1943. After graduating from Alamogordo High School, he began his career at Safeway in Alamogordo, where he worked for 28 years. After the store closed, Ed joined the City of Alamogordo as a Fire Equipment Operator and Firefighter. ...

Duane Cecil Vinson, 82, passed away on June 26, 2026, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He was born on September 28, 1943, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Cecil Eldon and Addie Mae (Davis) Vinson.  Duane joined the Air Force in 1961 serving for 22 years. He married Rosanne Mixon in San Antonio on June 5, 1963. After his retirement from the USAF, Duane worked in Law Enforcement for 35 years. Survivors include his wife, Rosanne Vinson; his sons, Duane Cecil Vinson II and Jason Dean Vinson ...

Jovita "Tobi" Noriega, 87 of Alamogordo, New Mexico passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on June 23, 2026.  Tobi was born on December 12, 1938, to Gavino Sr. and Maria O Noriega. She married the late Inez "Naya" Benitez and they were married for 25 years and still remained friends in their later years. Tobi worked for Gerald Champion Memorial Hospital for 27 years, 18 of those were spent in medical records retiring in 1997. Tobi loved to do crafts. Her ...