Search by Name

Search by Name

Grover Xavier "G.X." McSherry

Grover Xavier "G.X." McSherry obituary

Grover McSherry Obituary

Grover Xavier McSherry, 88, of Deming, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on May 5, 2013. Known to most as G.X. or Xavier, he started his life on November 23, 1924, in Dwyer, New Mexico, the son of Grover Cleveland McSherry and Mary Ellen (O'Connor) McSherry.
Viewing will begin Friday, May 10, 2013 at 3 in the afternoon followed by the Rosary Service at 6 o'clock, led by Suzanne Lundy at Baca's Funeral Chapels in Deming, New Mexico. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, May 11, 2013, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Bishop Ricardo Ramirez C.S.B. will officiate. The Rite of committal and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
G.X. is survived by Clara Jo (Remondini) McSherry, his wife of 67 years and their seven children: Paul, Patricia, Michael, Marcia, David, Keven and Rod, their spouses, plus seventeen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Rose and Vera Jo, also survive him.
His parents; his sisters, Lena and Kathleen; and his brother, Regis, preceded him in death.
G.X. grew up on the Mimbres River Valley during some of the toughest economic times in New Mexico, shaped deeply by the Great Depression and the fallout of the Dust Bowl. He was always proud of the acres of apple trees that he helped his parents plant in the valley, a traditional crop that followed both lines of his parents' families from Pennsylvania and West Virginia out to New Mexico.
G.X. met his future bride during the trying years of World War II. He and Clara Jo (Jody) married in December 1945, just after the War's end. They settled on the homestead of Clara Jo's parent's, about seven miles east of Deming, and set out to expand the farming and ranching operation.
In the nearly 70 years that he farmed in Luna county, he increased his farming operation five-fold, moved from horse-drawn to high-tech methods, and was a constantly vigilant steward of the soil and water around his feet. G.X. was once quoted that his farm focused on producing the "Three C's: Cattle, cotton and children."
Agriculture was G.X.'s passion until the very end of his life. He dedicated years to improving the marketing of crops and livestock (including serving on state and national commodity boards; being a founding member of the local cotton cooperative; and leading the New Mexico Hereford Association); he worked for 35 years on advising Luna County banks on agricultural financing; he was committed to sensible and balanced water use for agriculture and communities in the local, interstate and international arenas (serving on committees, commissions and holding national appointments to conservation bodies).
He defended and expanded the rights and protection of New Mexico farmers and ranchers during his sixteen years as a State Representative, having been elected by voters from Luna, Hidalgo, Doña Ana, and Sierra counties over the course of his political career.
Education was a close second focus of G.X.'s life. In a fitting tribute to a man who 'finished' high school at the age of 14 and lacked the financial wherewithal to attend college, G.X. received an honorary doctorate from New Mexico State University in 2003. He also received the Philip J. Leyendecker Agriculturalist of Distinction Award from NMSU's college of Agriculture in 1991.
As a farmer/rancher and as a legislator, G.X. was one of the staunchest advocates of NMSU (and going back to the days of New Mexico A&M), participating in extension activities and eventually securing legislative funding for expansion of research and education facilities at the university. Another indication of his indelible support for education was his insistence that every one of his seven children received a university degree, something he and Clara Jo made happen.
G.X. was a committed supporter of his community. He was proud to be part of a dynamic border community and used his bilingual and bicultural abilities to strengthen relations with business, political and service organizations in Mexico. His cross-border identity made him a much sought-after advisor to Governors, Congressmen and businessmen.
One of his many important contributions to bilateral relations between the U.S. and Mexico was his work on the New Mexico Border Commission, which eventually led to the development of the international port of Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
He was a past president of the local Rotary Club and recently popped in on occasion for lunch with fellow Rotarians. He was baptized in San Jose Church in Dwyer, New Mexico, was a strong supporter of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1945 when he married Clara Jo. G.X. was also a Knight of Columbus and a long-time contributor of beef to barbecue and cotton for auction at the annual Parish Klobase.
G.X.'s family would like to thank the compassionate professionals at Mimbres Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home for attending to him in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in GX's memory to the BorderBelles Scholarship Fund for young agriculturalists from Luna County would be appreciated. BorderBelles is a chapter of New Mexico Cowbelles.
Memorials may be sent in care of Beverly Butler, PO Box 522, Columbus, New Mexico, 88029. Alternatively, memorials to the Luna County Historical Society (Deming-Luna-Mimbres Museum) at 301 S Silver, Deming NM 88030 are in order and greatly appreciated.
Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels - exclusive provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care." To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deming Headlight on May 11, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Grover McSherry

Not sure what to say?





Kallie Jurgens

March 14, 2020

I never knew him but he was the son of my grandfather's brother, Grover C. My sympathies go out to his family and friends in Deming and Faywood. So he was my 2nd cousin I believe.

Mary Chaires Damon

May 22, 2013

Mr. McSherry, a gentleman and always a smile on his face. He was always at peace with himself..he truly understood what it meant to be humble. One of the few that followed the Beatitudes Gospel of St Matthew 5:3-10

Don Stewart

May 21, 2013

The McSherry family have been a constant in Deming for a very long time and the outreach of the family will be felt for years to come. A good man who lived a good life. My condolences to family.

Paul & Karen Montney

May 18, 2013

It is with an indescribable sadness, that we feel hearing of G.X. passing. He will always hold a place of the highest respect in our memory. A personable man, G.X. would always take pause to exchange a few words none of which were ever mere platitudes.
With heartfelt sympathies we want to express our deepest condolences to the entire McSherry family. It was our profound pleasure to have known him.

Pat Lewis

May 13, 2013

GX McSherry was and will remain an icon. His wonderful wife and kids have my greatest sympathies. There are no finer people anywhere in the world.

Thomas Schultes

May 12, 2013

He was a good and caring man for not only his family, but all of New Mexico through his work in the legislature. A true gentleman in a world that needs more like him. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.

Lana McDowell

May 12, 2013

To all the McSherry family, G.X. was a gentle, caring, family man. . He will missed by many. . God Bless

Joe Gardner

May 11, 2013

I have known GX all my life and he was a great man and a good friend. I will miss him a lot. My condolences to the family.

May 11, 2013

GX was a great man. No matter who you were, he always had a kind word for you. He was a Gentleman and I always appreciated the work he did in Santa Fe on behalf of all New Mexicans not just those in Luna County. Rest in Peace GX.

David Brown

May 10, 2013

I never had the opportunity to get to know G.X. well, but he came to my home (in Chamberino, Dona Ana County) and asked for my support in the early 80's during one of his campaigns (for Congress, or for State Rep, I don't recall.). We met on one or two occasions after that, and even though 30 years (or close to it) have passed, I remember him fondly and respectfully. May he rest in peace, and his memory forever be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Gil Guaderrama

May 9, 2013

My sincere condolences to the McSherry family. I believe that if anyone were to mention farming and Deming in the same conversation,...the name, GX McSherry, will most certainly be mentioned and remembered with great respect, love and admiration. Rest in peace, GX.

May 9, 2013

My deepest condolences to the McSherry family.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Grover McSherry's name

Memorial Events
for Grover McSherry

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Baca's Funeral Chapels and Mimbres Crematory of Deming

811 S Gold Ave, Deming, NM 88030

How to support Grover's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Grover McSherry's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more