Richard Allen Allred

On June 3, 2013, Richard Allred chose to stop challenging the downward spiral of Alzheimer's that had afflicted him for several years. He was born Dec. 3, 1946 in Abilene, Texas, and spent his younger years in West Texas. He graduated from McCauley High School in 1965 and attended Cisco Junior College and Texas Tech. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War and was stationed on Guam. Richard spent his working career in the oil and gas industry, primarily in West Texas and New Mexico. He and his family lived in Odessa and Midland, Texas; Hobbs, New Mexico and the last 24 years were spent in Farmington. Richard retired from Phillips Petroleum in 2003, after 26 years of service. Richard is survived by his wife Sandy of 40 years, their daughter Jennifer Allred and husband, Bob Kowalski of Las Cruces, and his son from a previous marriage, Ricky Allred of Midland, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, Terry Allred of Lordsburg; sister, Marcia Hill and husband John of Lordsburg; brother, Jim Allred and wife, Candy of Lovington; sister, Linda Farnsworth and husband, Blaine from Lordsburg and brother, Tim Skelton from Milan. He loved the outdoors where he spent much of his life. He was an avid fisherman and was known to cast a lure into any water he could find. He particularly enjoyed spending time on Lake Powell with his fishing buddies. He also took pleasure in gardening, tinkering in his workshop, feeding birds and caring for the stray cat that adopted him. Richard was a determined, hard-working man in his younger years and became a soft-spoken, humorous and loving man as he aged. He was first born-a big brother, an adoring husband and a proud and loving parent. He was a man of faith, a good citizen and a generous friend. He enjoyed volunteering for Habitat for Humanity with his wife. They attended Northside Church of Christ, where he made many good and lasting friendships. He will be remembered kindly by all who knew him. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
Memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to the New Mexico Christian Children's Home, 1356 New Mexico 236, Portales, NM 88130.