John William Fleming IV, 77, died in Las Cruces, NM, on Monday, June 10, 2019, after a six-year bout with cancer. He was born in California in 1941, the son of Elwood Fleming and Stella Dolores Fleming. Because his mother died shortly after his birth, he was brought to Silver City, NM, to live with his grandmother, Lucy Fleming.

After his father moved back to Silver City after the war, John lived in Santa Rita with his father and his grandmother.  Later he lived on the Fleming family ranch on the Mangus with his Uncle Jim Fleming and his Aunt Louise (“Judy”). There he was engaged in ranch life, even including breaking horses. He also spent some school years with his Aunt Clara Bell Fleming Jennings and his Uncle Bill in Phoenix.

John entered the Arizona National Guard in 1964 and decided to pursue a career in the military. He later transferred to the Army reserve. He served in the military for 37 years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant.  He was deployed to Germany during the Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict and oversaw the loading of heavy military equipment and other materiel to the region, mostly by train. He wore the military uniform with pride and honor.

He also worked as a technician in the electronics, microwave, radar, and computer fields for Motorola, Goodyear, and Honeywell, all in the greater Phoenix area.

John leaves his daughter Rebecca Palmer and his grandchildren James, Briana, and Zachary De Augustine as well as several great-grandchildren. Zachary has followed his grandfather into the Army.

He also leaves friends, too numerous to list. Much appreciation goes to all those who have accompanied him and assisted him along his way, especially since he became ill. A Graveside service will be celebrated at 2pm on Tuesday, June 25 at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.