Edward James Groth III

Edward James Groth III, 82, passed away at La Posada on May 11, 2013.

Eddie was born in Las Vegas, to Edward James Groth Jr. and Emma Lowe Groth, the oldest of three children. His sisters, Marian O'Brien and Jane Stewart preceded him in death.

He lived in New Mexico all of his life except for his military years when he served his country during the Korean War as a Navy Corpsman embedded with the Marines.

Eddie attended Immaculate Conception School in Las Vegas and later received two degrees from New Mexico Highlands University. His career began with one summer working at Ruidoso Downs and then a year at the Albuquerque Journal strengthening his journalism skills.

Highlands called him back to teach printing and to act as the sports information director. His love of college sports developed strongly during these years. In 1965, he was hired by the athletic department at the University of New Mexico as their sports information director. He worked with all sports and traveled with the teams having many exciting times and making many lifelong friendships along the way. He frequently told people at this time that he himself had a promising tennis career until he lost his racket.

Ten years later, Eddie moved his family to Las Cruces and New Mexico State University. He served as the Director of Information Services there until his retirement in 1993. He worked with general news, the print shop, and supervised the sports information office. He was a mentor to many young professionals in the sports information community. His personality was such that he enjoyed everything he did. He continued to work at the Aggie basketball games until the end of the 2013 season.

Eddie was a longtime member of the Las Cruces Rotary Club and spent the last year serving as President. He was active in the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District IV. He was the recipient of the CASE District IV Distinguished Service award, the highest honor of the university advancement organization.

He was also a long- serving member of the Highlands Foundation Board and was named Distinguished Alumnus in 2003. He received the 1990 Alumni Spirit award and became a member of the NMHU Sports Hall of Honor in 2003.

Many interests kept his life active. A man of faith, he was an usher at his church for many years. He liked jazz, all college sports, people, photography, genealogy and telling stories. He loved his family dearly and was loved completely in return.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Davidson Groth (51 years) and daughter, Patty Groth; son, David Groth, wife Lori and children Lauren and Connor; daughter, Valerie Groth Pickett and husband Mark; his brother-in-law, Joel Stewart of Houston and many cousins and nieces and nephews also survive him. He is also survived by many in the Davidson family.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Church, with a reception to follow. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to La Posada Hospice or to the Groth Family Scholarship at New Mexico Highlands University (c/o HU Foundation, NMHU, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701).

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home and Getz Family Crematory corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419.

To sign the local online guest book go to www.GetzCares.com.