K.L. Nabours
July 8, 1935 – November 24, 2025
In the early morning hours of November 24, 2025, K.L. Nabours, 90, passed away peacefully.
Born July 8, 1935, in Deming, New Mexico, to Glenn and Verla Nabours, K.L. was raised as a farmer's son. He spent his childhood working the land and tending animals alongside his family, proudly learning to drive the family tractor at just seven years old.
After graduating high school, K.L. joined the United States Air Force and served honorably as a veteran of the Korean War. Upon returning home, he began working for the Southern Pacific Railroad. During that time, he met and married Arlene Gray in 1959. This past September, they celebrated 66 years of marriage.
His railroad career took him from New Mexico to Arizona and then to Oregon. While he was working in Oregon back home in Deming their daughter Leslie was born . Two weeks later, he was home again in Deming, where he began a new chapter at Deming National Bank (now First New Mexico Bank), starting as a teller. To support his growing family, he also worked evenings and weekends at Gannaway Exxon gas station. During this time, their son Kris was born—bringing him great joy.
Over 12 years at the bank, K.L. rose to the position of Vice President. It was during these years that he took up golf—though he often jokingly called it "goof"—and enjoyed many rounds with dear friends Dale Shook, Tim Wagner, Jan Kissell, Dave Jorgensen, and Robert Santana.
After leaving the bank, K.L. served as procurement manager for Brown and Root Construction in Playas, New Mexico. He later partnered with Travis Pruit and eventually purchased The Tire Shop, launching a 25-year career as a business owner. For many years, if you were looking for him between 9–10 a.m. or 2–3 p.m., you'd likely find him at the Balboa, sharing coffee (or tea) and laughter with his cronies Jim Payne, Vern Harrington, and John Gay.
K.L. was also a proud sponsor and pit crew member for a local car racing team. He was a devoted member of the First Christian Church, where he served as Treasurer, Chairman of the Board, and Trustee. One of his proudest roles was as manager of Mimbres Christian Camp for 15 years, ensuring it was a clean, safe, and joyful place for children to learn about Jesus.
A 50+ year member and Past Master of Deming Masonic Lodge #12, K.L. was deeply committed to his community. He was known for his quick wit, kind heart, and playful spirit—especially his habit of teasing waitresses by asking them to find someone else to pay the bill. K.L. never met a stranger and will be remembered for his strength, humor, and unwavering love for his family.
Over the years, many wondered what the initials "K.L." stood for—but even in his passing, that will remain a family secret.
K.L. was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Verla Nabours, and his brothers, Jimmie and Dorrill Nabours.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene Nabours; daughter, Leslie Nabours; son, Kris Nabours (Ronda); grandchildren Cody Brdecko (Lainie), Ashleigh Brdecko (Bevan), Clay Henderson, Katie Nabours, and Rhiannon Nabours; great-grandchildren Tyler Cutbirth (Karly) and Kellsie Brdecko ; great-great-grandson Stetson Cutbirth and another great-great-grandson on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Irma Lowry (Bob) and Nancy Iverson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and In-laws.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Christian Church.
Pallbearers: Kris Nabours, Tyler Cutbirth, Bevan Anderson, Kevin Rhodes, Charles Garcia, Steve Rhodes
Honorary Pallbearers: Cody Brdecko, Ronnie Snow, Richard Daley, Dale Shook, G.G. Gore, Steve Witmer, Tim Wagner, Jerry Garrett
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First Christian Church, 119 W Maple, Deming, NM. Services will be live streamed on the "First Christian Church of Deming New Mexico" Facebook page.
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