David Michael Morock

David Morock (1951-2024)

David Michael Morock, a man who embodied the qualities of intelligence, a dry wit, and hard work, passed away February 16th at the age of 72. He is preceded in death by Kay and Mike Morock (parents), Lynda Herrington (sister), Jonathan Herrington (nephew), Bonita and Cecil Boswell (mother-in-law and father-in-law), Don Clifton (brother-in-law), Gail Orr (cousin), and Dick Elzay (cousin). Those left behind to celebrate David’s spirit and passion are Rita Morock (wife of 39 years), Mary Clifton (sister-in-law) of Las Cruces; Brothers-in-law Jerry Boswell (Cindy Rogers) of Silver City, NM; Robert Boswell (Gwen) of Las Vegas, NV, and Ronnie Herrington (Columbus, MS). David will be missed by nieces Cristy Peet (Las Cruces), Kim Boit (Rob) of Las Vegas, NV, Amy Peal (Ben) of Columbus, MS, Mary and Sarah Boswell (Las Vegas, NV); and nephews Kirk Clifton (El Paso, TX) and Robert Boswell (Las Vegas, NV). Great nieces and nephews include Candyce Zavala and son, Ethan, of El Centro, CA; Casey Nowlin (wife, Jenni, and daughter, Hunter) of Las Cruces; Joseph Peet (Rio Rancho, NM); Catherine, Jonathan and Carolyn Peal (Columbus, MS); Kaleb Clifton and Konnor Clifton (Las Cruces); Also mourning the loss of David are cousins Cindy (John) Jones (Arizona), Celia Elzay (Virginia), and Casey Orr (Texas).

Although David was born in Oak Ridge, TN he lived his formative years in Alexandria, LA and Meridian, MS until 1974 when his aptitude for computers brought him to New Mexico. Having mastered numerous programming languages, he and two friends formed their own software game business (Innovative Design Software, Inc.) in the mid 1970’s where he honed his software and marketing skills. These software games were developed at the cusp of the era where video games and virtual reality entertainment would soon rule the gaming world.

David began his illustrious career at Sperry Univac and through the years worked for the aerospace companies TRW, Contel, and GTE. He served as Site Manager for Litton’s El Paso Intelligence Center under contract to the Drug Enforcement Administration. David then advanced as the Director of Commercial Services Division and Master Systems Engineer at Research, Analysis, and Maintenance (RAM), and later worked for ALS, and Apogee Engineering. He was presented the NASA Snoopy Award and many other accolades throughout his journey in both the space and engineering industries . David was a jack of all trades and established a record of excellence in software, hardware, firmware, implementation, mission testing and operations, high tech management, and web development.

Family, friends, and neighbors called upon him numerous times regarding his computer knowledge and he was renowned for enhancing and aiding with Christmas light displays around Las Cruces for many years. David’s skills introduced him to a world of friendly competition, a new found circle of dear friends, and many challenges upon which he thrived. In his later years he developed a knack for gardening and his produce was clamored by many. People often commented his lawn was the envy of the neighborhood.

Other hobbies included electronics, learning the interworkings of a lathe, camping, 4-wheeling, and watching sci-fi movies. He was an avid animal lover and was blessed to raise several dogs, cats, a rabbit, and a tortoise. Flying was a passion where upon he eventually owned his own plane,

Wit and intelligence were God given talents and appreciated by all who knew him. He was tenacious to a fault and always believed there was a solution for any problem. But these qualities were often masked by his outward sternness and aloofness. Once a person was able to get behind these rough exteriors, he would soon discover David was a man worth getting to know and a natural and easy chemistry would often develop, leading into a lifelong friendship.

When he was tired David, in a joking manner, would tell people they could go home. Home is where he is now -- a place of peace, serenity, and love. Cremation has taken place and, per his request, no services will be held. A special thanks is extended to the staff at Mesilla Valley Hospice and Getz Funeral Home.