Mark Wechter

Mark Wechter Mark Wechter passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2006. He was born in El Paso, Tex., on April 1, 1922; son of Isaac A. and Riva Wechter. He was a graduate of El Paso High School and attended Texas School of Mines (UTEP). Mark served in the U.S. Navy in World War II as a diver in underwater demolition. A longtime resident of Las Cruces, N.M., he and his beloved late wife, Rose, founded The Music Box in 1948. He also established Southwest Imports and scoured Europe for the finest hand crafted instruments, bows and accessories. Music and his precious instruments were a lifelong passion. Mark was a founding member, president, and lay clergy of Temple Beth El in Las Cruces. He was actively involved in community interests including Community Concert Series and proactive in the United Jewish Appeal. He is survived by his four children, Marcia Wechter White of Florida, Frank Wechter of Albuquerque, Debra Wechter Friedman and her husband, Howard, of Albuquerque and Leslie Wechter and her husband, Nick Nejad of Austin, Texas. Also surviving are his four grandchildren, Benjamin White of N.Y., Ari White and his wife, Gemma of N.Y., Elan White and his wife, Shani of Israel, and Gabriel Wechter Nejad of Austin, Texas. Services to be held on Monday, May 8, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 702 Parker Road in Las Cruces, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to United Jewish Communities, PO Box 30, Old Chelsea Station NY, N.Y. 10113; or the Animal Humane Association of NM, 615 Virginia SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. French Mortuary, Inc., 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 823-9400