Frank A. DuBois III

Frank A. DuBois, 77, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away at home August 10 th2024. Which just happens to be his wife Sharon’s birthday. Frank was born in Long Beach, California to Frank and Wanda Dubois on May 29, 1947.

 He grew up the oldest of three and attended Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM where he played football and basketball. He graduated from New Mexico State University in1973.The majority of his public service career was spent as the Director of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Frank served as cabinet secretary for 4 governors.Throughout his time with NMDA he was a Field Inspector, Ag Policy Specialist, Asst.Director and Director. Frank also worked as a legislative assistant for Pete Domenici.He then served as the Deputy Secretary for Land and Water Resources with the U.S.Dept. of Interior.

Frank was an avid team roper. Winning 4 trophy saddles, 7 buckles, and a hay barn before Multiple Sclerosis took his favorite hobby from him. He decided to focus on supporting rodeo athletes. He was the driving force behind the first rodeo coaching position at NMSU and helped raise money for rodeo scholarships. His heritage will carry on through the NMSU rodeo program and his cherished DuBois Award winners.

Frank adored and greatly missed his wife Sharon, who lost her battle with cancer in 2020. She was always his biggest supporter. Sharon devoted her love and time to stand by Frank through his toughest hours. They loved to dance and couldn’t resist a good waltz. Frank, the true romantic he was, decided to join his wife on her birthday.

He is survived by his brother John DuBois, Sister Fara Green, son Frank DuBois,daughter Sevon Villarreal (Israel), grandchildren Jayce, Cora, Israel Jr., Romia, Rubyand great grandchildren Mia, Emma, Karder, and Lucas, niece Kara Linn and nephewPaul. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Wanda, wife Sharon,grandchildren Jenna and Danny.

A memorial service will be held at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum,4100 dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011 on August 24th, 2024 at 10:00a.m.