Alton Carlisle Heathman

Alton Carlisle ‘Carl ‘Heathman March 13, 1939 - May 15, 2018 Alton Carlisle ‘Carl ‘Heathman, age 79 passed from this earth into eternal life through the Gates of Heaven May 15, 2018 in Las Cruces due to complications from dementia. Carl was born in Durant, Oklahoma to Emily Tarr on March 13, 1939, he spent his early years in the San Francisco bay area before moving to Las Cruces, NM. where he remained the rest of his life. Following his graduation from Las Cruces High School, Carl served in the US Army at Ft Hood Texas from 1961-1963. Uncle ‘Tio' Carl was a dedicated lineman/foreman for El Paso Electric Company in Las Cruces for 39 years, installing the first incandescent street lights and later the first underground electric distribution system for downtown Las Cruces. His hands touched nearly all the residential, commercial and high line electric distribution systems in southern New Mexico. His words ‘Trust Me Boys' symbolize his leadership and dedication to the job and his crew. Carl was legendary Country Western Dancer. Ladies and drinks on the table lined up every time his boots hit the dance floor. Carl enjoyed shooting, fishing, camping, playing pool, and searching for arrowheads with a passion and respect for American, Native American and Southwest history. Carl spent many weekends with friends and his son exploring ghost towns, old mining encampments, routes of Cavalry, Buffalo Soldiers, Frontiersmen and their skirmish sites. Carl was a generous man, eager to help those in need. Carl worked hard and played hard. Carl loved his mom and his adopted dogs Dora and Chico. He was an accomplished bowler and a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Those left to celebrate his life include his only son, Eugene Heathman of Ruidoso, NM, daughter in-law Patricia Waggoner; his uncle Ben Tarr of Las Cruces, NM, his dog Chico, many cousins, and even more friends. Carl was preceded in death by his mother Dec. 14, 2011. Carl's son would like to express appreciation and thanks to the management and caregiving staff at Tendercare Home Health, HomeInstead Senior Care, The Village at Northrise Homestead Care and Skilled Nursing units, Ambercare Hospice, and the Office of 2nd District of New Mexico U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce. A grand ‘come as you are' celebration of Carl's life will take place June 09, 2018 from 4pm - 8pm at the Grapevine Plaza Event Center 3900 W. Picacho Las Cruces, NM 88007. Those wishing to attend RSVP's encouraged 575-526-1268. Carl will be interred with military honors next to his mother at the Masonic Cemetery Monday June 11, 2018 at 9:00 AM 760 S. Compress Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88005 Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, corner of Solano and Bowman Ave. To sign our local online guestbook, please log onto www.GetzCares.com