Robert Stearns

Robert (Bob) Stearns of Nogal, New Mexico passed away in the early morning hours of November 2, 2024. Bob was born June 25, 1940 in Carrizozo, New Mexico. He attended school in both Carrizozo and in Vaughn. He graduated from Carrizozo High School in 1958. He attended NMSU for 1 1/2 years before joining the Air Force. He spent two years in Klamath Falls, Oregon at Kingsley AFB where he met his future wife, Sue Ann Biggs. Her mother was his supervisor in finance and accounting. He told people that he married Nellie's daughter because he loved Nellie so much, 

After marrying Sue on July 21, 1963 they were stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska for the remainder of his tour of duty. First son John Robert (JB) was born at Ft. Wainwright army base. After getting out of the service Bob and Sue made their home in Klamath Falls where he became a banker. Second son Steven Lee was born there. The family moved back to New Mexico where Bob became a cashier at a local community bank in Alamogordo. He and Sue purchased their home in downtown Nogal in March of 1970 where he lived the remainder of his life. 

He worked in Alamogordo, Carrizozo, Vaughn, and Ruidoso before purchasing the J.G. Moore Insurance Agency in Carrizozo from his mother. He sold insurance until his retirement in June 2000.

Bob served in several organizations in Carrizozo. He was a member of Rotary for over 40 years and served as president twice, served on the Carrizozo school board six years, was president and director of the Carrizozo country club, and served on the Nogal Presbyterian church session. He served as Carrizozo high school football announcer during the years his sons played football. He wrote very comedic "sideline coach of the week" articles in the Lincoln County News for several years. 

Bob read his Bible every morning. He was such a strong person, even though he had quadruple bypass heart surgery and was on his third pacemaker/defibrillator. His favorite hobby was working in his beautiful yard and on his nine acres, always riding his four wheeler "El Rojo" around property and to the Nogal post office and dumpsters, taking a chance the police would not stop him. 

Bob is survived by loving wife Sue, married over 61 years; son, JB; grandchildren, Jake and wife Chelsea, Jolie and Riley and their mother Erin; son, Steve and wife Jeanne; granddaughters, Taylor Macy Froelich and husband Pablo; great grandson, Charlie Steven Froelich. He is also survived by his sister, Judith Glover and husband Charlie; niece, Rhonda and family; great nephew, Denton Gove; sister Linda Gibson and husband Hoot; niece, Jonna and family; Lori and family; and Sue's Oregon family. He is preceded in death by parents Margaret Shafer and Johnson Stearns. 

He was a quiet, gentle soul who deeply loved his family and friends. 

A family service will be held at the Nogal Church on Saturday, November 23, 2024. 

A public celebration of life will be held at the Carrizozo country club on January 18, 2025.