Richard Joseph Reece, 82, of Bayard, NM passed away Aug.13, 2025 at home with family. He was born on March 14,1943 to Melvin and Elizabeth Reece in St. Joseph, Missouri. His family moved to Santa Rita, NM when he was a child. He graduated from Cobre High School in 1961 and married his sweetheart, Dianna, in 1963. He attended Western New Mexico University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management and Data Processing. Richard served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, mostly as a flight simulator technician, and after conclusion of his service, he returned to Grant County and worked in the local mines specializing in technical and engineering positions as well as data processing. He retired from Phelps Dodge in 2001, filling his time with hobbies and visits from his growing family.
Richard is survived by his wife, Dianna; their two daughters, Suzan Shirley (Jim) of Cahone, Colorado; and Mary Garza (Miguel) of Roswell, New Mexico; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Reece (Gayle) of Pheonix, Arizona; and one sister, Barbara Dye (Valton) of Apache Junction, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Elizabeth Reece; his son, Richard Allen "Richey" Reece; one sister, Shirley Rogers; and one brother, Danny Reece.
He will be laid to rest at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
