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Samuel Maggard Obituary

Samuel Preston Maggard passed away Wednesday December 7, 2011. Doc Sam was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor who touched so many lives throughout the years and will be deeply missed. He was born on June 19, 1933 in Whitesburg, Kentucky, the youngest of five children. He worked hard at school, home and various jobs he held while growing up in Whitesburg. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1956 with his BSCE and MSCE in 1957. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1963. He began teaching at New Mexico State University in January of 1963. At NMSU he served the University in many capacities, including Chair of the Civil Engineering Department, establishment of the Geological Engineering program, and supervising construction of all phases of the Engineering Complex. He was instrumental in the establishment of the NMSU Quality Concrete School and the Bridge Inspection School. Doc Sam worked many different jobs through his life and loved to share his stories and knowledge with others. He was more than an instructor for his students he was an advisor and mentor. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Preston and Susan Back Maggard, one brother, Archie Gleason; two sisters, Hazel Joyce and Georgia Irene and two sons Jeffrey Lynn Shelton and Lawrence Hall Maggard. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Gloria Parten Maggard, his brother Ellis (Betty) Maggard of Lexington, KY; his daughters Nancy (Glenn) Carter of Big Sandy, TX; Kimberly Lucht of Phoenix, AZ, Karen (Rick) Corbett of Jenkins, KY; Stephanie (Brent) Bergsma of Phoenix, AZ; and Amy Kincer of Jenkins, KY; his grandchildren Mark Carter, Joshua Carter, Jessamyn Carter, Brandon Lucht, Aaron Lucht, Matthew Corbett, Sarah Corbett, Gregory Kincer, Karlee Kincer, Jordanne Shelton Jenna Shelton, Kara Maggard, Jacob Maggard, Katelyn Maggard; and four great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Sunday December 11. Masonic services will be 11 am Monday December 12 in La Paz Chapel. The celebration of Sam's life will be led by his friend and colleague Dr. Kenneth White. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Samuel P. Maggard Endowed Scholarship, c/o NMSU College of Engineering, PO Box 30001 MSC 3449, Las Cruces, NM 88003, phone (575) 646-2913 for more information.

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Published by Las Cruces Sun-News from Dec. 10 to Dec. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Maggard

17 Entries

Terri Barncastle

December 15, 2011

Our very deepest condolences to Gloria and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
The Barncastle children

Pat; Johnny and Terri

Jennifer (Wright) Hendrickson

December 15, 2011

Mrs. Maggard, I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. Maggard and I worked together in the Bridge Inspection program between 1994 and 1996. I went along and inspected the Narrow Gorge bridge and the Los Alamos bridge with Dr. Maggard, and I learned so much not only about structures, but work ethic and life from your husband. It was a time in my life that I'll always remember fondly.

Ben Dominguez

December 14, 2011

Mrs. Maggard, Please accept our condolences from the Dominguez family (your Neighbors). We will miss seeing Mr. Maggard out in his yard, work shed, and starting up his Chevy pickup. Thank you both for being such good neighbors.

Grace McIntyre

December 14, 2011

Mrs. Maggard, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Maggard's passing. The last time I saw you both at Dr. Baker's office I was sorry to see Mr. Maggard looking so weak. May God Bless you and give you comfort that you did everything you could for him, may he rest in peace.

Vance Parten

December 14, 2011

My brother in law/ brother was a funny individual that came up with stuff right out of his head that I still quote to this day...putting his wifes name and his mother in laws together. Looking at the stuff one time I told him it was like a museum and he then called it that. He would call me and say that the museum was open and it was time for me to quit work and come over and talk when I was in Las Cruces. He was always harvesting knowledge from people he trusted...He will be greatly missed and his phone calls will also...

Linda Franks

December 14, 2011

Mrs Maggard,
I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Dr Maggard's passing is a loss to many. Not only to the university, but also the many students who had the priviledge of working with him. I never met Dr Maggard, but he touched somone in my life in a profound way. He was not only a mentor, but a very close friend to my son Earl Franks, and he will truly be missed. God bless you and your family. Linda Franks

Lupe Robles

December 13, 2011

Gloria, Nancy and family, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Maggard. May God bless you and give you the strength to get through this. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

December 12, 2011

Gloria,
We are so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. Our prayers and condolences are with you. May you find comfort in your good memories.
Nancy and Ron Paredes and family

James Meixner

December 11, 2011

Glenn, Nancy & family: We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father and grandfather. Please know that we are thinking and praying for all of you. Although we did not know your father I'm sure that you will miss him very much.
Love,
Nelda and Jimmy Meixner

Patricia Sullivan

December 11, 2011

Gloria,

We are greatly saddened by the passing of our wonderful colleague. He was an inspiration to faculty, staff and students alike and will be missed greatly.

Your friends in the College of Engineering at NMSU

Amanda Kindler Trout

December 11, 2011

Gloria you and your family are in my thoughts. God bless you and my your pain be eased with time.

John Owens

December 10, 2011

I was so sad to learn of the passing of Sam. He was a great guy and had such a positive and lasting impact on New Mexico State University and its students. May he rest in peace.

Patti Gilbert Morin

December 10, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have fond memories of Dr. Sam from when I was a student at NMSU and worked at the civil engineering department during summer school, 1966.

Leroy & Faye Pritchett

December 10, 2011

Gloria you and family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. May you know God's comfort.

Denise Briggs

December 10, 2011

Ms. Gloria,

Ally & I wanted to let you know that you, Kim, Stephanie, Brandon, Aaron and the rest of the family are in our prayers. You were so blessed to find Sam and to have so many good years together. May the love of family and friends sustain you through this difficult time.

Annie Lopez

December 10, 2011

Gloria, my prayers are with you. One of my favorite memories of Sam was him bringing his shot gun to our wedding when Richard and I got married. May God be with you.

Annie Lopez

December 10, 2011

Gloria, my prayers are with you at this time. One of my favorite rememberances of Sam was him bringing his shotgun to the wedding when Richard and I got married. He always had us in stitches. May God be with you.

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