M. F. (Buddy) Altstatt passed away June 19, 2013 in Las Cruces, N.M. at age 88. He was born in Okmulgee, Okla. to A. L. and Edna Altstatt on July 27, 1924. He graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1942 and joined the U.S. Navy in January 1943 and served 3 years, 2 1/2 years of which he was aboard a destroyer, the USS Jenkins in the South Pacific. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with five battle stars, and Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon with two battle stars. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. He was employed by Warren Pet. Corp. in 1946 at Crossville, Ill. where he met Evelyn Inglis and they were married in Morgansfield, Ky. on Oct. 25, 1947. In 1948 they were transferred to Salem, Ill. and lived there until 1954 when they were transferred to Lovington, N.M.; they lived there for 49 years. He retired from Warren-Gulf after 36 years service. They moved to Las Cruces in 2003. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church since 1954 and served on several different committees during that time. He belonged to the Lovington VFW Post #9477. He was a 32nd degree mason and a member of Lovington Masonic Lodge #46 having served as master in 1970. He was a mason for over 50 years. He enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing and traveling all over the U.S. in their RV. He loved God, his family and many friends, his country and considered it a privilege to have served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He is survived by his wife Evelyn of the home; a daughter Billie Hood and husband Mike of Las Cruces, a son Gordon Altstatt of Lovington, five grandchildren, Jennifer, Johnathan, Susie, Julie and Kari; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents A.L and Edna Altstatt; one brother and six sisters. In his memory the family requests donations be made to the Boys & Girls Ranches of New Mexico. Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, corner of Solano and Bowman aves., Las Cruces, NM. 526-2419. To sign our local online guest book, go to www.GetzCares.com.
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2 Entries
Evelyn, Billie and Gordon, you have my deep sympathy on the loss of your Buddy. It is wonderful to have Christ's many promises of eternal life with Him, isn't it! Love and prayers, Jean O'Neill
June 26, 2013
Mrs Alstatt, Billie and Mike.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nadine and Lonnie Mahres
June 26, 2013
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