Bob "B.J." Porter

Bob "B.J." Porter of las Cruces,NM passed away on November 17, 2021in las Cruces.

Bob was born in Colorado City,Texas to Jewell May Porter and Joel Fontain Porter on September 3, 1929. He grew up in the Mesilla Valley and Hatch Valley and lived most of his young life in a "jacal"- a home made from twigs and mud with no electricity or plumbing. His father worked various labor jobs until he was able to finally lease and later purchase a farm,which he cultivated by hand,and a small home with electricity. The entire family worked tirelessly to make ends meet and grew their own meat and food. Bob thrived in going to school at Salem Grade School and later Hatch Valley High School where he graduated in 1947 as Most Popular, Junior Class President and Student Body President. He enjoyed high school sports,raising sheep for 4H and participated in Future Farmers of America.

Because of his love of all High School sports, but particularly basketball,Bob,as a first generation college student at New Mexico A and M (NMSU) with a small Sears and Roebuck scholarship decided to try to be a walk-on for the Aggie Basketball team. The opportunity to go to college and play ball at that level was a life changing oneBob excelled at basketball as a 4 year letterman and team captain his Senior year, was Distinguished ROTC Military Student and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. His true lifelong love for all things Aggie never ended.

Bob graduated from New Mexico A and M in 1951with a degree in Soil Science,was commissioned as 2"d lieutenant in the US Air Force and called to active duty during the Korean Conflict. He served stateside as a Personnel Officer at Clarksville Tennessee and after two years of active service he returned to the Reserves and was promoted to Captain.

Following his Air Force Service in 1955 Bob joined the Dona Ana County Farm Bureau and began his career in Agriculture as Assistant Director of the Bracero Program. He held numerous positions in the state organization serving as Executive Vice Presiden t/CEO for 15 years simultaneously serving as Executive Vice President for the Western Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Nothing made Bob happier than traveling across the state of New Mexico meeting with and advocating for farmers and ranchers. He had fond memories of Farm Bureau meetings and conventions and truly was witness to the evolution of farming and ranching in New Mexico. Under his leadership, the state organization reached record membership levels and was frequently recognized for excellence by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Bob received numerous awards and accolades for his impact in agriculture including: Honorary State and American Farmer (FFA),Progressive Farmer Magazine "NM Man of the Year", Agriculturist of Distinction -Leyendecker Award (NMSU),Farm Credit Distinguished Award and New Mexico Farm Bureau "Riding the Brand" Award.

Bob also became a licensed Realtor in the early 70s, working with AI Socolofsky and later also David Steinborn. He received his Qualifying Broker license and later operated Porter Realty through a home office. He maintained his license until 2014.

Clearly recognized as a good businessman,Bob was chosen to serve on Boards of Directors for several local banks and Savings and loans and then served 12 years on the Federal land Bank Board and 9 years on the Farm Credit Regional Bank of Wichita,Kansas. He also served on the New Mexico Society of Association Executives and was a member of the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce.

Because of Bob’s pride for NMSU,he believed in giving back. He served on numerous boards and committees at NMSU including President ofthe NMSU Alumni Association,the NMSU Foundation Board and Aggie Athletic Association. He also received awards for College of Ag Distinguished Alumni,NMSU Centennial100 Outstanding Ag Graduate and NMSU James F. Cole Award.

In 1958,Bob married Nola Craddick and from that union came their only child, Brenda, born in 1961. During their marriage they had the great fortune of living in a wonderful neighborhood and were able to forge livelong friendships. They enjoyed many wonderful trips,particularly those connected with Bob’s job at Farm Bureau. The end of their long and loving marriage happened in 1991when Nola suffered a brief and terrible illness.

Ten years later,thinking it unbelievable to be blessed with another love, Bob married Laura Beal whom he had known for many years. They had a marriage full of joint family events and wonderful social and church activities until Laura’s passing earlier this year.

Bob was one-of-a-kind, had a hilarious sense of humor and felt blessed every day of his long 92 years. He has left a strong legacy of family, friends and service.

He was preceded in death by his parents,his brother Brady, and his infant sister Thelma Novelene, and is survived by his daughter Brenda,her spouse John Hudson and his nephew Bill Porter and his spouse Debbie.

Memorial donations may be given to: Bob and Brenda Porter Point Guard Endowment or the Bob Porter Endowed Scholarship at NMSU (Advancing. nmsu.edu- search Bob Porter)

New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Foundation c/o Bob Porter Endowment, 2220 N. Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces,NM 88011.

Visitation will be on Sunday,November 28 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at LaPaz-Graham’s Funeral Home. Funeral is scheduled for Monday,November 29 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church with a burial at Masonic Cemetery. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com