Richard Vernon Lunsford

Richard V. (Dick) Lunsford, age 74, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dick was born October 6, 1948, in Santa Ana, California. His parents were Jessie V. and Winnie F. Lunsford. He was the third child in a family of four sons and two daughters. His father was a World War II veteran who moved his family every few years, first for work and then to take advantage of the GI Bill to obtain his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at University of New Mexico and his master's degree in Civil Engineering at University of California- Berkeley. Mr. Lunsford ultimately acquired his PhD in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1964 and spent his career as a professor of Civil Engineering, mostly at New Mexico State University. Dick graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1966 and was a member of the varsity football and wrestling teams. Dick was a proud Veteran, serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1972, he also took advantage of the GI Bill and earned his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at University of New Mexico, with honors, in just three years. Dick married Toni S. Hapes in 1969, and together they had two beautiful daughters, Allyson D. Lunsford and Traci E. Lunsford. After graduation from college, Dick began his professional career as a Petroleum Engineer with Texaco Inc. in Vernon, Texas, and after a few years he chose to work for a smaller independent oil and gas company, Mitchell Energy Corporation, at its offices near Dallas, Texas. Dick and Toni raised their children in Azle, Texas while he worked for Mitchell and its corporate successor, Devon Energy Production Company, until his retirement in 2012. He had a long and fulfilling career and served with distinction in his role as a Petroleum Engineer, helping to bring energy security to the United States. After retirement, Dick moved back to Las Cruces. Dick married Judi Ewing Monet, his high school sweetheart, on May 22, 2013, and remained married to her until his death. Judi had two sons, Todd and Michael, and one daughter, Jackie, from a prior marriage, and all of them were dear to Dick. Dick always treated Judi's children as his own, and he considered his children and her children as one large family. Dick is survived by his daughters, Ally Conley (Mike) and Traci Theis (Reagan), and Judi's daughter, Jackie Schofield (Scott), and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Wayne O. Lunsford (Linda), Douglas L. Lunsford (Wendy) and Stephen L. Lunsford (Mary), younger sister, Cindy Porter (John), step-brother, Terry Nichols, and step-sisters, Donna Blackman and Theressa Demers, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and their children, and his many, many friends, especially Mike Gresham. Dick was predeceased by his parents, his older sister, Fay Hill, his step-brother, Mike Nichols, and his stepson, Todd Monet. Dick and Judi were faithful members of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and he was a faithful servant of the Lord until his death. A viewing for family and friends will be held Monday. November 21, 2022 at Getz Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs Avenue, Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Reverend Donna Nelson, Associate Pastor of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, will officiate. Graveside services with military honors will immediately follow at Hillcrest Cemetery at 5140 W. Picacho, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Pallbearers will be Stephen Lunsford, Parker Conley, Jerry Cox, Jeremy Cox, Bill Ewing, and Mark Ewing. Honorary pallbearers are Doug Lunsford, Reagan Theis, Stone Theis, and Mike Gresham. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Getz Funeral Home. First Visitation
Monday, November 21, 2022 5:00pm - 7:00pm,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001






Service Information
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 10:00am,
St. Pauls United Methodist Church

225 W Griggs Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007






Interment Location
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 11:00am,
Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

Address Not Available