Donald Leavell

Donald Earl Leavell, 81, of Roswell, died on August 2, 2013 at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Pastor Glenn Thyrion of Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate.

He was born on January 21, 1932 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Wilbur and Annie Mae Leavell, who have preceded him in death, as well as one brother, three sisters, one son: Jake Leavell and Roy Welborn.

Don got his education in Indianapolis where he later joined the United States Air Force at the ending of the Korean War. He and his first wife, Shirley and their family settled in Roswell. He was later employed as an Electronic Technician with FAA and was the Roswell Sector Field Office Chief. After retiring from the government, he worked parttime repairing bank equipment for many banks in Roswell. He also worked parttime for the Tom Madsen Truck Company.

Don received his pilots license at a young adult age. He spent some of his younger years raising homing pigeons. He would travel everywhere releasing them and waiting for them to return home.

He had many hobbies. He loved building remote control airplanes and flying them. He also loved motorcycles, enduros, races and riding with his family and friends.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and lots of different organizations in his younger and older years. He was a member of the Pecos Valley Amateur Radio Club. He enjoyed the annual tradition of Elk Hunting in Colorado. Don loved the mountains. He also really loved boxing on TV and surfed the channels constantly. Peg got used to it and finally started liking them HAHA. The kids all learned they better not change the channel.

There was a softer side of Don. He loved his kids, grandkids and greatkids. They loved Paw Paws attention, as well. Most of all, well remember him as the guy who took time from this busy world to drop it and visit and to tell jokes for fun and laughter even though everyone had to drop everything when he arrived. He would always say, Oh well, everyone needs a break.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Peggy Sons: Keith Bud Leavell and wife Sharon of Arlington, Texas, Gene P. Leavell and wife Anne of Lubbock, Texas, and Bill Welborn of Belen, New Mexico daughters: Donna Leavell of Roswell, Margie Stevens and husband Larry of Roswell, Beverly Kutzner and husband Randy of Snyder, Texas Daughterinlaw: Juanita Leavell of San Diego, California Sisterinlaw: Ruth Ann Leavell of Ohio Also 15 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

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