A. Medaris

A.R. was first and foremost an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.

As a child he grew up in the midst of the depression and witnessed the impact that this time had upon friends and families. His family moved from Oklahoma to Kansas and from Kansas to New Mexico. He was ever grateful for his father, mother, and sisters and especially the emphasis that his parents placed on keeping everyone together. At the age of thirteen his mother passed away, and with his sisters married, he and his father kept the home fires burning. A.R. loved living in southeastern New Mexico with all of its diversities and beauties.

As with many of his generation, A.R. responded to the call of his nation during World War II, serving for 4 years in the United States Navy, primarily in the Pacific theater of operations. He finished his tour of duty on the island of Guam. He cherished his friendships established in the military and for many years kept those relationships alive and ongoing. He remembers most fondly returning home through San Francisco, CA, and the reception given. He always shared most tenderly his love of the USA.

In 1949 he met and married Edith Elinor Hatch in Roswell, NM, and here they established their home. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for thirty years and loved his associations with the good people of Roswell, as he worked and served as a postal counter clerk. To A.R. and Edith, a son, Alan, was born and his life then revolved around school activities, little league and Babe Ruth baseball, summer swimming programs, and high school sports activities. A.R. was a constant and positive supporter of youth activities in Roswell.

Edith passed away in 1972 and A.R. later remarried. He married Joyce Dustin Hannifin and to them they had the great opportunity and blessing of raising a blended family. Dad cherished the time he had with Joyce and with Joyce's children, Kathleen, Shaun, and Barbara. After thirty years of marriage, Joyce passed away in 2002.

Dad's latter years found great comfort and joy as he married Jean Hatch Franks on the 25th of October, 2004. Together they made a remarkable pair and were very active in their lives in Roswell and enjoyed their many friends and church activities. Jean survives A.R. at their home in Roswell.

A.R. was preceded in death by his parents, Atha and Rebecca, his sister Virginia, his wife Edith, his wife Joyce and two of Joyce's children, Kathleen and Shaun Hannifin, his brother-in-law's Carl Franks and Jack O. Box, and nephews Jack W. Box and Mickey Abel.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Franks Medaris of the family home, his sister Marie Blakely, his son Alan Medaris and wife Anna Louise, and daughter Barbara Hannifin Wood. Grandchildren: Bryan and wife Kelli Medaris, Kara and husband Blake Barber, Aaron and wife Melanie Medaris, Laura and husband Mark Evans, Melissa and husband Russell Gardner, Angela and husband Robert Warth, April and husband Jacob Rowe, Christopher Bullard, Candace Hannifin, Ryan Hannifin, Crystal and husband Humberto Bonilla, Ben Joseph Woods, Nivar Woods, and Wyatt and wife Eve Woods. Great grandchildren: Lindsay, Tyler, Allison, Case, Kamdyn, Chloe, Ezra, Asher, Emmy Kae, Sierra, Robbie, Bridger, Remmington, Aylissa, Romeo, London, Mayhem, Aaya, Gavin, Isaac, Hunter and Amara. In laws: Lois Hatch Box, Brent and wife Sharon Hatch. Nieces: Kathleen Shaw, Sue Ann and husband Rodney Price, Kim and husband Derrick Hendricks, Sarah and husband Roy Shaw, Carol Bare, Tammy and husband Tony Dorwart, Neva Marie Rasmussen. Nephews: Pat and wife Marlene Box, Tadd and Nancy Hatch, Gary Abel, and Steven Blakely.

Dad loved God, he loved his family, he loved life, and he loved his country with its freedoms. He treasured and cherished his service and membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God bless you Dad, we will always remember and never forget.

Pallbearers will be: Bryan Medaris, Aaron Medaris, Mark Evans, Rodney Price, Pat Magill, and John Eckstein. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Derrick Hendricks, Russell Gardner, Brent Hatch, Tad Hatch, T.J. Hatch, Miles Mitchell, Chris Price, Ryan Price, and Cory Price.

Visitation

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
2201 W. Country Club Rd.
Roswell, NM  88201
Thursday, January 28, 2016
11:00 AM

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203