Albert J. Fishburn

Albert J. Fishburn, 87, passed away Wednesday morning, May 13, 2009, at Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces, NM. He was born on Feb. 12, 1922 to Joseph and Dorettah (Haak) Fishburn, the sixth of eighteen children.

Born in Locustdale, PA, Al grew up during the Depression. Because of hard times, he had to quit school and start working in the coal mines. At 16, Al joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and worked on projects in the Montesano area of Washington state. As a young man of 17, he enlisted in the Army. Assigned to the 6th Armored Division of the 44th Infantry, Al fought in World War II throughout France and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge. Wounded twice, Al received several medals, most notably, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star medals. It was during his military service that he met, and married his first wife, Jeanne (Clayton). After 22 years of marriage, and a daughter, Janice, he lost Jeanne to illness. Years later, he married his second wife, Annette (Caldwell Noland), who had 3 children of her own, Stefanie, Margaret, and Charles.

Al worked at White Sands Missile Range for many years, eventually retiring from Civil Service. Al worked harder on his off-hours, and during retirement, than most people do at their jobs. He was often adding on a room, making furniture, or fixing a car for friends or family. His passions in life were serving the Lord, his family, and helping others, especially children. He fulfilled his passions in several ways. He served as a Deacon for many years, first at Westside Baptist Church, and then at East Mesa Baptist Church. He helped build both of those churches, along with several other missions, volunteering his time, his expertise, and his enthusiasm. He also served several years as the church's leader for Royal Ambassadors, a Baptist version of Boy Scouts. He was a friend, role model, and many times, a father figure to several generations of boys. He also volunteered several weeks each summer, serving as counselor and rifle marksmanship/safety instructor for both Royal Ambassador Camp and Opportunity Camp at Inlow and Sivell's Baptist Camps. Al was recognized by the Baptist Convention of New Mexico for his 40 years of faithfulness, in touching children's lives.

Al's hobbies included hunting, fishing, and model railroading. He took great joy in sharing these activities with his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Al is survived by his daughter, Janice Drayton (Vern) of Everett, WA; step-daughters Stefanie Conway (Marshall) of New Orleans, LA, and Margaret Graham (Patrick) of Las Cruces, NM; step-son Charles Noland (Ruth) of Colorado Springs, CO; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Jeanne, of 22 years, and his second wife, Annette, of 42 years.

Serving as pallbearers are grandsons Jared Drayton, Zach Graham, Ryan Conway, and Kyle Conway, and good friends, Dennis Robbins and Greg D. Sherman. Honorary pallbearers are Ken Dale, Clay Terry, and Greg Sherman.

Visitation will be held at La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador Ave., on Friday, May 14, 2009, from 6 - 8 PM. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 15, 2009, at 10 AM,also at La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home with Pastor Linvell Tisdale of East Mesa Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetary.

Arrangements by La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home, (575) 526-6891.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico, c/o Bill Mattiace, chairman, 301 S. Church St., suite H, Las Cruces, NM 88001; and Opportunity Camp, c/o East Mesa Baptist Church, 6160 Moongate Road, Las Cruces, NM 88012. To send condolences go to www,lapaz-grahams.com