RONALD PAYNTER

RONALD PAYNTER
March 31, 1937 - October 1, 2025
Ronald Lee Paynter, 88, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away on October 1, 2025, at home with family members by his side.
Ron was born on March 31, 1937, in Fair Play, MO, to Reba Hembree and Charles Paynter. His family moved to the Southwest when he was a young boy, and they lived west of Deming, NM, at the El Paso Natural Gas pumping station.
Ron attended Deming schools and graduated from Deming High School in 1955. He went on to attend the University of New Mexico (UNM), graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He became a registered pharmacist in April 1962 and later owned his own pharmacies in Santa Fe, NM. It was during this time that Ron discovered his life's path would be filled with love and compassion for others.
In 1957, Ron met and married Judith Minces. Together, they had two children, Rhonda and Charlie. In 2003, Judith passed away. Ron was blessed to find love again when a mutual life-long friend from Deming reconnected him with his high school sweetheart, who had also been widowed. They rekindled their romance, and in 2004, Ron married Carol D. Sweem.
Ron and Carol lived at Trout Springs, outside of Las Vegas, NM, for four years before settling in Las Cruces, NM, where they remained until his passing.
As a teenager, Ron spent summers working at a ranch west of Deming, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors. He was a high school football player and remained active in sports throughout his life. After graduating from UNM, Ron served in the U.S. Air Force for six months and then in the Air National Guard for many years, achieving the rank of Captain.
Ron had a passion for travel, visiting Africa, China, Peru, Canada, and many other places. He loved to sing and was a member of the Las Cruces men's singing group, Vos Vaqueros. He also enjoyed fly fishing, freshwater fishing, boating, and hiking. Later in life, he took up RVing and camping.
Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith; his parents, Reba and Charles; his brother, Bill; his stepdaughter, Pam VanVekoven; and his step-granddaughter, Jennifer VanVekoven.
He is survived by his wife, Carol D. Paynter; daughter, Rhonda Paynter; son, Charlie Paynter; stepdaughters, Kim Norvell (Dave) and Debbie Sweem (Becky); grandson, Connor LeGault; step-grandchildren, Crystal Davis and Brooke Lockridge (Dustin); and great-grandchildren, Hank, Nolan, and Natalie Lockridge.
Ron was a caring and generous man. He befriended the Hernandez family, whom he loved dearly - they became like family to him.
In honor of Ron, the family will hold a celebration of life on November 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 Missouri Ave, Las Cruces, NM.
Ron has been entrusted to Getz Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your local humane society in Ron's name.
To sign the online guestbook and leave condolences, please visit www.getzcares.com