Calvin Claud Bailey

Calvin Bailey, 80, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, TX, following a brief illness—exactly 55 years to the day after proposing to Debra Kirby, the love of his life.

Born and raised on the family ranch in Cuervo, NM (east of Santa Rosa), Calvin was the ninth of eleven children of Paul and Mildred Bailey. Growing up on the ranch, he developed a deep appreciation for ranch life. He went on to attend New Mexico State University, earning a degree in Animal Science in 1971. It was there he met Debra at the student union and their first outing was a double date to an Aggie football game at the old Aggie Memorial Stadium. They married on August 29, 1970, and spent 54 and a half love-filled years together.

After graduating, Calvin became the ranch manager at the New Mexico State University Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center (College Ranch), a position he held for 40 years until retiring in 2012. Over the years, many graduate students who worked under his guidance remained in touch, a testament to the lasting impact he had on their lives. Some even named their children after him.

Calvin’s greatest joy was his family—his children, Scott and Becky, and his grandchildren, Sarah, Savannah, Tavin, and Landon. He was their biggest supporter, always found on the sidelines of their games and events, cheering them on with pride.

A man of few words, Calvin spoke only when necessary—but when he did, his advice was always worth listening to.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Ophelia, Viola, Wilma, Oda Fay, Bud, Walt, Kenneth, and Fran.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Debra; his son, Scott (Shawna) of Las Cruces; and his daughter, Becky Tucker (Toby) of Dallas, TX. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Sarah and Savannah Bailey of Las Cruces, and Tavin and Landon Tucker of Dallas, TX.

Also surviving him are his sisters, Maureen Young of Clovis, NM, and Pearl Cavasos of Moriarty, NM; his special nephew, Johnny Anderson, and his family of Las Cruces; his “adopted daughter” Mary Morgan of Las Cruces; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Honoring Calvin’s wishes, he has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held on March 20th at 10 a.m. at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, NM. Officiating will be his longtime friend, Darrel Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Mexico State University Animal and Range Science Department, a place Calvin called home for many years. A QR code is provided below for donations.