Wesley Lindsay

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wesley Byrl Lindsay, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who passed away on May 29, 2025, at the age of 87. Wesley was born on June 12, 1937, in Nogal, New Mexico, to Byrl R. Lindsay and wife Irene “Dean” Zumwalt-Lindsay. He grew up in Nogal and attended school until Christmas time of his 6th grade year before moving to Carrizozo, New Mexico, where he graduated from Carrizozo High School in 1955. A proud football player in his youth, Wesley’s love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, continued throughout his life.

On July 27, 1957, Wesley married his high school sweetheart, Margo Duncan, and they shared nearly 68 years of love, partnership, and family. Together, they raised four children, and Wesley was a proud and devoted father.

Wesley is survived by his beloved wife, Margo, and their children:

Gary Lindsay (deceased 2023) (wife, Gretchen), and children Jodi and JW Lindsay (wife, Leslie) with grandchildren JessiJo and Blythe

Brenda Straley (husband, G.L. Straley), and children Katherine (deceased in 1999), Matthew (wife, Rachel), Misty, and George IV, with grandchildren Dylan, Caden, and Brooklynn

Todd Lindsay (wife, Shelley), and children Tawney Sippy (husband, Lance), with grandchildren Luke and Tye, and son Wyatt (wife, Claire), with grandchildren Julianna, Luchesse, and Wacey

Daryl Lindsay (wife, April), and daughters Emilee and Aubree

Additionally, Wesley was proud to have adopted several sons throughout his life: Mike Shivers, Rick Richardson, Randy Dross, Jerry Lovelace, and Marc McKinley.

Wesley was also greatly loved by Robert Allen Stuteville, the son of his sister, Ronda Stuteville Taylor. Robert gave Wesley the affectionate and lasting name of “Papa,” a title that Wesley embraced and that was lovingly passed down to all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To them, he will forever be known as “Papa.”

Wesley was preceded in death by his brother, Preston Lindsay (2018), and his sister, Ronda Stuteville Taylor (2019). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a vast circle of friends who were touched by his kindness, generosity, and warmth.

Wesley’s career was marked by decades of service and dedication. After a brief period with Southern Pacific, he joined Mountain Bell in 1957, where he worked until his retirement in 1992, before returning part-time to complete a remarkable 45 years of service.

A man of great character and community spirit, Wesley served two terms as the mayor of Carrizozo, New Mexico, as a city trustee, and as fire chief. He was an active member of both the Rotary Club and the Carrizozo Masonic Lodge #41. His service to his community and his love for Carrizozo were defining features of his life. He served on the Carrizozo Municipal Schools Board of Education.

Wesley’s legacy will live on in his family, his town, and the many lives he touched. He will be remembered for his deep love of family, his dedication to his work, and his unwavering commitment to serving others. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

A celebration of Wesley’s life will be held on June 7th at 10:00 AM at Ranchmen’s Camp on Nogal Mesa, burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Carrizozo, and the family would like you to join them for a dinner at Carrizozo Country Club. Meal is being provided and if you would like, please bring your favorite dessert.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to these special charities in honor of their grand-daughter, Katherine Straley: Make a Wish, Ronald McDonald’s House or St. Jude’s’s Hospital.