Donald Ray Read

Donald Ray Read, 66, of Portales, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, at his farm outside Portales.

He was born April 21, 1939, in Levelland, Texas, to Lura and Homer D. Read. He began his career with El Paso Natural Gas Company in the welding shop in Jal. Upon graduation from the College of the Southwest in Hobbs, with a degree in mathematics, he was promoted to drilling engineer and moved his family to Farmington. During his tenure, the company was sold twice. He retired after 30 years as the San Juan Basin Regional Manager.

He fulfilled his longtime dream of becoming a farmer when he bought a farm and moved to Portales in 1988. Family members said he enjoyed gardening, which gave him the opportunity to grow vegetables he shared with anyone who dropped by. He would have at least 40 plants of tomatoes and would have had more if he had not tried so hard to keep it small. Family members said he had a generous heart and was dearly loved.

Survivors include Myrlene Read, his wife of 48 years; daughters, Donna Read, Darla Thackery, Debbie Mobley and Dasa Bryan; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Dale Read; sister, Norma Dean Smith; five nieces; and seven nephews.

The family requests that no flowers be sent. Instead, they request donations to either the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home or the American Diabetes Association, NM Office, 525 San Pedro NE, St. 101, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.