David M. Alberson

David M. Alberson, 86, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, February 25, 2011. David was born on November 7, 1924 in Mesilla, NM to James F. and Florence Alberson. David graduated from Las Cruces Union High School and then proudly served in the US Air Corps. He was a B-17 pilot ₦but always said the greatest combat he ever saw was in a honky tonk in Memphis. He married Pauline Daniel in 1946. David graduated from New Mexico State University, (then New Mexico College of A & M) with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. David and Pauline celebrated 65 years of marriage on January 13, 2011. Pauline preceded him in death just a month ago, and now they are together again. David worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for many years. Later he owned and operated a home and apartment maintenance company working for several realtors and many local residents in town. He could build or fix anything and taught his children to do the same. He was a member (sometimes reluctantly) of Hill Baptist Church. David enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and telling stories and jokes. He had a strong work ethic and lived his life with Christian values. David is survived by children Ed and Talea Alberson, Paul and Betty Alberson, Rick Alberson, Linda and Mark Robertson, Craig and Kathi Alberson, his adopted grandson Joshua Alberson, sister Irene Swartz, sisters-in-law Ann Alberson, Corkey Alberson, Jeanne Alberson, Minnie Topliff, brother-in-law David Daniel and sister-in-law Mary Chitwood, cousin Jackie Harris as well as many friends, family and neighbors. He was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, 4 brothers and adopted granddaughter Amanda Alberson. A visitation will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2011 from 5:00