Swopes, Raymond

Services: Have been held.

Mr. Raymond Durwood Swopes, 74, of Roswell, died Friday, March 11, 2005, at his home in Roswell.

He was born on Aug. 24, 1930, in Melrose, to Edna and Walter Swopes.

He graduated from Melrose High School in 1939. From 1949 until 1977 he was employed by the state Highway Department.

On Feb. 16, 1961 in Melrose, he was married to Shirley Newlin. He was a member of the Baptist church. In 1977 he became a traveling theater manager for Commonwealth Theaters for New Mexico and west Texas. In 1992 he went to work for Wal-Mart in Roswell. Family members said he enjoyed doing leatherwork, building furniture, and tinkering with mechanical things. He was a member of the Lion’s Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Juanita Black.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Bob Swopes (and wife, JoSele) of Albuquerque; a daughter, Elizabeth Rude (the Rev. David B.) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dan Swopes of Portales and Waymon Swopes of Midland, Texas; a sister, Lorene Anderson of Alvin, Texas; and a foster daughter, Betty Watson of Claud, Texas.

The Rev. David B. Rude and the Rev. Waymon Swopes will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Melrose Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Ronnie and Ricky Anderson, D.A. Black, Michael Ramos, John and Bob Swopes, Pat Camp, and Greg Leiker.

Honorary pallbearers are Anthony Martinez and all other Roswell Wal-Mart family members.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, 1250 Hylan Blvd., Suite 4B, Staten Island, NY 10305

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.