Dr. Roger L. Harrell (1935-2025)

Dr. Roger Leon Harrell, 89, of Alto, NM, peacefully passed away at home on August 1, 2025, with his wife at his side. Born November 25, 1935, in Clovis, NM, he was a devoted husband of 68 years to Dr. Mary Rose Harrell and a loving father to John Harrell, Kelli Miller, and Jill Bauer.

He attended elementary school in Melrose, NM and high school in House, NM where he was a key player on the nearly unbeaten basketball and baseball teams. He was active in FFA and the 4-H Club and at age 15 his Hereford steer was the Grand Champion at the New Mexico State Fair. He graduated with honors in biology from Eastern New Mexico University and earned his doctorate from the University of New Mexico in 1964.

While at ENMU in Portales, NM, Roger met the love of his life, Mary Rose. Shortly thereafter they married in Carlsbad, NM and began their life adventure together. Mary fondly recalls their 9,000-mile vacation to Europe where they visited Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and the UK. Roger's love and support shone through in the summers when he quietly held things together, empowering Mary to further her meaningful academic achievements where she earned her doctorate from USC.

Roger was hard-working and dedicated to education. Early in his career, he taught at the junior high in Clovis, NM and at the high school in Modesto, CA. He taught at Texas A&M and UTEP. Later in California, he served six years in administration for the Monrovia Unified School District with two years as superintendent. For 12 years he served as superintendent of schools for the Carlsbad NM schools where he was known for his desire to bolster school curriculum and the athletic programs, to enhance the learning environment for all students, school spirit, and for being an avid arts supporter. He attended most high school athletic events, including a few fun times taking his daughters, fellow cheerleaders and friends in the motor home and by flying them to out-of-town football and basketball games. He attended many music concerts and theater productions as well.

In 1991 he returned to California as Associate Dean of Education at Azusa Pacific University where he taught on the main campus and throughout southern California. Often, he would meet with his daughter Kelli in San Diego for dinner or a cup of coffee creating fond memories of this special time with her father. As an extension of APU, he taught in Ghana, Kenya, Japan, Vietnam and Taiwan. Despite his many work responsibilities, he always made time for his family and showed them unconditional love.

Roger took on spiritual leadership duties throughout his life including serving as a deacon at Sunset Church of Christ in Carlsbad, NM, an elder at Capitan Church of Christ in Capitan, NM, and on the board of directors for The Portales Christian Children's Home. When called upon, he would lead worship services for several congregations in southern California. Prior to having children, he hosted a sponsored religious radio show. When his children were elementary aged, he drove the bright blue 'Joy Bus' to pick up children who needed a ride to church. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God.

He made sure that his children learned to play golf, snow ski, water ski, drive a boat, ride motorcycles, fish, drive earlier than the legal age, ride horses, and deer hunt (John). He taught them business skills in leasing and operating President's Park, an amusement park in Carlsbad, NM during the summer of 1985 where the entire family learned many aspects of running a business. He drove the motor home for his family to experience national parks, ski resorts, deserts, and oceans. Yosemite, the Redwood Forest, Death Valley, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Carlsbad Caverns, Banff, Grand Canyon, Ensenada Mexico, and White Sands to name a few. In their elementary years, he took his children hiking up to the snow line of the San Gabriel Mountains where they slept in sleeping bags without a tent listening to the howling coyotes. Later, in his 50's, Roger hiked Guadelupe Peak in Texas with his children and took Jill horseback riding through sand dunes along the Oregon coast. His love for the outdoors brought attention to God's natural gifts and his children continue to appreciate these gifts.

Roger's love for flying was something he shared with his son John, leaving a mark on him that will never fade. At 16, Roger wanted to learn to fly but thought his parents would say no so he became a pilot without telling them. His flying was kept secret until one day, upon takeoff, he met with a gravel pile at the end of the runway. Luckily, he and his friend who had never flown before were not hurt. When Roger got home, he had to tell his parents that not only was he a pilot but that he just crashed an airplane...for which he would pay $2,000 for the wrecked Piper Cub. Roger ultimately logged over 1,500 hours in various types of single and multi-engine aircraft.

A special thank you goes to John from his mother and sisters for his continuous and loving care of his father over the past 12 years and especially as Roger experienced cognitive challenges along the way. Prior to publication, John spent countless hours sitting with his father to clarify the meaning of each of the 157 pages of Roger's book, THIS IS GOD'S WORLD - Listen As He Speaks To Us. There has always been a special bond between this father and son. There are no words to adequately express gratitude to John for his personal sacrifices and abundant love and care for his best friend and father.

Roger is survived by his wife, Mary Harrell of Alto, NM, children: John Harrell of Alto, NM, Kelli Miller of Dallas, TX, Jill (Chris) Bauer of Saltillo, MS, grandchildren: Camille Bauer of Nashville TN, Luke Bauer of Saltillo, MS, Oliver Miller of Austin, TX, Alexander Miller of Los Angeles, CA, and Madeline Bauer of Saltillo, MS, brother: Joe (Gaye) Harrell of Cheyenne, WY, nephews and nieces: Allen (Joanna) Rose, Tara (Ron) Westman, Deena Nicholson, Greg (Lisa) Rose, Mark Harrell, Rob (Lanie) Westman, Melanie Hart, Liz Carroll, Tom (Amalia) Carroll, Benji (Jennifer) Harrell, Pam Rose, Amy (Ryan) Hughs, Crystal Rose, Julie (Kevin) Meyer, and cousin: Ronald (Carolyn) Poe as well as other extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. Roger was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Cynthia Harrell, parents, Joel Reagan Harrell and Dorothy Poe Harrell, and brother, Daryl Reagan Harrell.

On Saturday, August 16, visitation is from 11:30am to 12:30pm at Gateway Church in Ruidoso followed by the funeral and celebration of life service at 1:00 pm. Burial will immediately follow at Gavilan Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Chris Bauer, Luke Bauer, Grady Harrell, John Harrell, Mark Harrell, Alexander Miller, Oliver Miller, and Ronald Poe.

Honorary Pallbearers waiting at the gates when the angels ushered Roger into heaven: Jackson Brame, Christopher Harrell, Daryl Harrell, Mike Harrell, Charlie Hart, Todd Nicholson, Barney Newton, Joe Rose, Dick Stanford, and Lincoln Westman.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Capitan Church of Christ, Gateway Church or Portales Christian Children's Home.