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Michael Brent McIntire

August 9, 1970 ~ April 18, 2023 (age 52)

Services are scheduled for 11 am Saturday, April 22 at First Baptist Church for Michael McIntire of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. McIntire, 52, died on April 18, 2023 at his home in Artesia.

Ronnie Williams and Ty Houghtaling will officiate at the services. Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary from 2 to 6 pm on Friday. Pallbearers will be Andy Smith, Brian Wilson, Danny Sisson, Kent Whitmire, J.J. Sorenson, and Mike Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be New Mexico Legacy staff including Michael Soper, Bill Wimberly, Bill Vallie, Steve Boudreaux, and Norman Gonzalez.

Michael was born on August 9, 1970 in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the son of Richard McIntire and Connie Dyer McIntire. He grew up in Montrose, Colorado and at a very early age he began his long career in funeral service when he began working with his dad in the family owned funeral home.

Michael was a funeral director for 31 years. He received his Associates Degree in 1992 from Mount Hood Community College in Oregon. He moved to southern California and while working in funeral service there, he was instrumental in establishing the Unforgettables Foundation and Garden of Angels. He came to Artesia in July of 2000. As a part of the staff at Terpening & Son Mortuary, he selflessly and fervently served Artesia and the surrounding communities. In 2021 he moved into the position of Area/Regional Manager over the seven funeral homes in New Mexico for Legacy Funeral Group. He served on the New Mexico Funeral Service Association Board and was president for two years.

On August the 6, 2005 he married Rochelle Smith in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed going on an annual golf trip with a group of longtime friends. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he was a part of the sound tech team and sang with the Praise Team.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard McIntire.

Survivors include his wife Rochelle McIntire; mother Connie McIntire; step-mother Marlene McIntire; a son Brent McIntire; daughters Cierra McIntire and Ashlyn McIntire; and a sister Tera Glenn.

The family requests that those attending the services please wear or add to their attire the color purple in recognition of the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness.

A special thank you to Dr. Kanak Das, Dr. Michael Mann and Artesia General Hospital, Dr. Udit Verma, all UMC Lubbock Cancer Care Center Staff, as well as staff from Four East, Hope Lodge Lubbock, Enhabit Hospice and J and J Home Care.


Thanks to our sponsors for making this convention possible!

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Thank you for a great 2023 convention!


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Elias "Al" Alvidrez presented with Lifetime of Service Award. 
On March 9, 2023, NMFSA President David Houston (left) presented Al Alvidrez with an award recognizing his dedication, guidance, and leadership through a lifetime of service to the New Mexico funeral service community. 

Immediate Past President Michael McIntire awarded for his Lifetime of Service. 
At the same closing ceremony, newly installed NMFSA President David Houston awarded his longtime friend and colleague Michal McIntire. The award recognizes his dedication, guidance, and leadership through a lifetime of service to our community. 


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2023 NMFSA Board of Directors


Front row (from left): Devon Tencza, President-Elect; Angelique Good, Treasurer

Back row (from left): Aaron War, Secretary; Joshua J. McManical, Past-President; David Houston, President; Gabriel Casaus, Vice-President

Not pictured: Alan Wood, Director at Large


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Edward J. Fitzgerald, 89, of Elephant Butte, NM,
died Monday, June 27, 2022.

Edward J. Fitzgerald, 89, of Elephant Butte, NM, died Monday, June 27, 2022. Ed was born in Albuquerque, NM on November 30, 1932 to Robert M. and Christine Fitzgerald.

Ed attended Albuquerque High School. After graduating, he made his way to Chicago to attend Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Soon after graduating Mortuary School, he joined his father, serving families at French Family Funeral Homes in Albuquerque, NM. In the early 60’s Ed and his father opened Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Home located on Carlisle Blvd NE in Albuquerque.

Ed was truly dedicated to the education and advancement of the funeral industry. While serving a term as president of the National Funeral Directors Association, from 1974-1975, he appointed the Task Force on Professional Certification; which was later to become the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practitioners. As members of the Order of the Golden Rule, Ed had many opportunities to travel around the world with his loving wife, Sandra.

Ed had many hobbies including creating wooden models, golfing, skiing, and traveling. He was a member of the both the Elks and Moose Lodge. He also continued his love of service as a member of the Kiwanis club.

Ed is survived by one daughter, Kathryn Fitzgerald (Andrew Geffen) of Elephant Butte, NM. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sandra Strong-Fitzgerald; and two sons - Edward Fitzgerald Jr. and Robert Lee Fitzgerald.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 4:00 -6:00P.M. at Kirikos Family Funeral Home in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 11:00A.M. at Kirikos Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Joe Byers officiating.  Interment will follow at Vista Memory Gardens Cemetery, with Military Honors. Arrangements are by Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc, 303 N. Cedar St., T. or C., NM 87901, 575/894-2574. For online memorial messages please visit www.kirikosfamilyfuneralhome.com


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