John Edward McNeese

John Edward McNeese, 92 was born to Henry Braxton McNeese Sr. and Georgia Belle West-McNeese on July 19th, 1930. He was called home to heaven on Tuesday June 6th, 2023. John was born and raised in El Paso, Texas; he lived his adult life in Farmington, New Mexico. John started working for El Paso Natural Gas Company at the age of 17 surveying and building bridges. John served in the 76th Engineer Battalion in the US Army during the Korean War, surveying and building bridges. Following his military service, he returned to El Paso Natural Gas Company. Through the years, John made many friends in the San Juan Basin and Arizona while working as El Paso's only Dehydration Specialist for the Natural Gas Industry. John's hard work and commitments with El Paso Natural Gas Company paved the way for the natural gas industry in the Four Corners area. John went on to work El Paso Natural Gas Company for 37 years when he retired in 1984. Following retirement, he served on the board at Animas Credit Union. He also enjoyed raising Labrador retrievers, duck hunting, shooting, camping, wood working and spending quality time with his family and grandchildren as well as other outdoor activities. In 1957, John married the love of his life, Martha.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Martha Lee Fugate-McNeese, his father Henry B. McNeese Sr., mother Georgia Belle McNeese, brothers Henry B. McNeese Jr., and George A. McNeese, sister Carol, daughter Tina McNeese, grandson Cecil Edward (Bucky) Owens, and numerous cousins and extended family members.

John is survived by his daughters Mary McNeese, Kathleen (Rick) Schmidt, and Virginia (Byron) Burrichter; his grandchildren Michele (Sam) Bock, Andrew (Nicole) Jones, Erin (Aaron) Tinker, Taryn Meadows, and Wayne Owens as well as 13 grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church at 865 N. Dustin Avenue in Farmington, New Mexico on Monday June 12th at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to The First Presbyterian Church, an organization that John was involved with for many years.