Lon Neil Burcham

Lon Neil Burcham (Neil) of Las Cruces, NM entered eternal rest on December 7, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born in Siloam Springs, Arkansas on November 15, 1941, to Lon & Anna Burcham, but was raised on the family ranch in Jay, OK. He received his BA degree in Animal Husbandry from Oklahoma State, served in the US Army for 2 years, then got his graduate degree from Arkansas Univ. He came to New Mexico State in 1969, to teach Animal Science & Swine Production in the Ag Department. He was the coach for the Judging Team for many years and was in charge of the breeding program for the college ranch until his retirement in December 2017. He loved teaching & helped many students find jobs through the years, many of whom became close personal friends. In May of 1977, he married Marilyn Hess Berryman and inherited 4 grown children who then proceeded to make him "grandpa" over the years with 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Patrick (twin of Mike), Marilyn, his wife of 40 years and his step-daughter Patty Jennings of Roswell, NM. He is survived by his brother Mike Burcham of Arkansas, brother Don Burcham of Oklahoma, step-daughter Fredda Blair & husband Rick of Las Cruces, step-son Doug Berryman & wife Rhonda of Las Cruces, step-son Dan Berryman & wife Rosanna of Ignacio, CO and step-son-in-law Tim Jennings of Roswell, NM. The family will be having a private service; however, there will be a public Celebration of Life for everyone to be held Jan. 7, 2023 at 2:00PM at the NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces, NM.