Richard Lawyer, 89, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at his residence in Silver City, NM. Richard was born August 22, 1937, in Kansas City, MO, to Roy and Vivian (Wise) Andrews. At the age of 3, he was adopted and raised by Tom Lawyer.
Richard and his family moved to Deming, NM where he was raised. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force, he was stationed in Alexandria Louisiana where he met his wife, Evelyn. After his four years of service, he worked different jobs before bringing his wife to Silver City, He worked at Watts Clinic while going to school at WNMU where he received his Bachelor of Arts and then his master's in business administration. He started his career at WNMU working in the Business Office, he later became the Vice President of Business Affairs. After retiring from WNMU he went to work for the City of Las Cruces. He then returned to Silver City where he and his wife lived for the rest of their days.
Richard was deeply involved in his community. He served on the WNMU Foundation, the Gila Regional Hospital Board and was a member of the Grant County Fair Board. He was a lifetime member of the FFA. He devoted many years to the youth of Grant County by helping them to raise the best pigs ever. He started with his daughter and continued until his greatest joy came and he was able to help his grandchildren raise award winning pigs. Above all Richard was a devoted husband, father, brother, friend and the very best Papo ever. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one. His kindness, generosity and love for his family and his community will be remembered by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his three daughters Karla Stroman (Bill), Kelly Franco (Orlando), both of Silver City, Katherine Spears (Clay) of Las Cruces, NM and his bonus daughter/niece Ansley Enyart (Jason) of Magnolia, TX; his seven grandchildren Devin Stroman (Vanessa), Rodney Franco, Dustin Franco, Kaitlyn Hooper (Brett), Riley Pierson, Jordan Enyart and Hudson Enyart; his 5 Great Grandchildren; his sister Sally Burk and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was proceeded in death by his parents Tom and Vivian Lawyer, his wife Evelyn and his grandson Jayce Stroman.
Visitation will be on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Terrazas Funeral Chapels, 11-11:30am, with funeral service beginning at 11:30am. Committal following, at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:00pm.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
