Francis Lamar Stock

Francis Lamar Stock died September 20 in Nephi, Utah. Funeral services for Lamar, 88, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 27, at the Animas LDS church. Viewing to be held at 10 a.m. ( New Mexico Time) Lamar was born July 4, 1926, in Tucson, Arizona to Francis and Florence Stock. He grew up working on a farm and ranch southeast of Tucson where he learned a strong work ethic from his father. At 17 years of age, Lamar enlisted in the Marines during WWII where he served for 6 years. During this time, he met his true love, Loretta Walker from Kirtland, New Mexico. After a year and a half courtship they were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple, May 18, 1948. Lamar continued his military service by re-enlisting in the Air Force and then the Air National Guard stationed in Tucson, Arizona for another 16 years. While serving his country Lamar received training to become a master mechanic and obtained the rank of Tech Sargent. Lamar and Loretta moved to Animas, New Mexico in 1965 where he became a mechanic for the local farmers and ranchers. During his lifetime, Lamar served in various callings in the LDS church and remained a faithful member. Hobbies included flying (commercial license), model airplanes, ham radio, gardening, and electronics. At age 60, Lamar enrolled in college. Although he never earned a formal degree, he had many years of usable practical experience from the school of “Good Old Yankee Knowledge.” Lamar and Loretta relocated to Nephi, Utah in September, 2014 to live with their daughter, Shari. Continuing health complications required his recent hospitalization where he passed away quietly, surrounded by loved ones. Survivors include his wife, Loretta of Nephi, Utah, sisters Bessie (Howard) Jones of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Marilyn (Reece) McNeil of Mesa, Arizona; children, Stewart (Emily) of Albuquerque, NM, Shari (David) Grider of Nephi, UT, George (Barbara) of Katy, TX, Beverly (Jack) of Little Elm, TX, Joleene (Pat) of Woodlands, TX, Jim (Martha) of Odessa, TX, Paul (Regina) of Artesia, NM, Deirdre (Terry) of Midland, TX; 26 grandchildren; and 43 great-grandchildren. He considered his bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren as an added blessing. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother and one daughter.

Francis Lamar Stock

July 4, 1926 - September 20, 2014