Mildred Mae Montoya

Mildred Mae Montoya, age 92, passed away December 6, 2018. Please visit our online guestbook for Mildred at www.FrenchFunerals.com

Holm O. III Bursum, Age 84, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at his home in Socorro, NM surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Roswell, NM on August 24, 1934, to Holm Jr. and Elizabeth Puckett Bursum. Holm was raised on a ranch 30 miles East of Socorro in an area known as Jornada del Muerto Basin. Holm is a third generation New Mexican and second-generation banker. Holm graduated from Socorro High School and attended New Mexico State University (NMSU) where he studied agriculture and received a Bachelor of Science degree in animal husbandry. While at NMSU, Holm received a commission in the college’s ROTC program which led him to the United States Air Force. He served three years in the Air Force as a flying officer for the Strategic Air Command. During his time in the Air Force, on a trip home between transfers, Holm was introduced to his wife Earle by a cousin. Earle agreed to meet Holm and have a "coffee ONLY" date with him. Fortunately for both, their coffee date turned into 56 years of marriage, four wonderful children, ten beautiful grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Sadly, Earle passed away in November of 2014. In 1959, Holm went to work for Albuquerque National Bank and remained with them until April 1, 1966 when he chose to return to Socorro and go to work for his father at First State Bank (FSB). Holm became President and CEO of FSB in December 1987 and remained so until his death. His son, Holm Bursum IV (Cuatro), proudly served alongside his father as Vice President and COO. First State Bank was founded and opened for business on July 1, 1947. Shortly after that, in the early 1950’s, it began offering scholarships to Socorro and Catron County students wishing to attend NM Tech. Holm has supported NM Tech in many different aspects throughout the years and has successfully ensured a cohesive working relationship between NM Tech and the Socorro Community. One of Holm’s many accomplishments that he is most proud of is being confirmed twice by the NM State Senate where he served over 8 years as the longest serving Highway Commission Chairman in New Mexico State history from 1995 through 2003. During this 8year period, the New Mexico State Highway Department constructed record 653 miles of new four lane highway, more than in the previous 83 year history of the State Highway Department. Combined with the four laning of approximately 500 miles of two lane highway, New Mexico had over 1100 miles of four lane highway by the end of his term as Chairman. "When we started the four-lane highway project, every community in New Mexico with 25,000 population or more was connected to a four-lane high- way. When we finished the 653 miles, every community (with the exception of Silver City) with a population of 8,000 or more was connected to a four-lane highway. This was true economic development". Holm was preceded in death by his parents; wife Earle Bursum; brother Michael F. Bursum and his beloved dog, Oscar. Holm is survived by children, Holm O. Bursum IV, Elizabeth Spencer and husband Ben, Julia J. Bursum and Michael Bursum and wife Lori Keleher Bursum; ten grandchildren, Holm O. Bursum V, Bruno Aguilar, Andrea Smith and husband Harrison, Caroline J. Bernitsky and husband Alex, Anne E. Spencer, Ben F. Spencer Jr., Matthew S. McNaney, Jack B. McNaney, Katherine Bursum and Samantha Bursum; great-granddaughter, Maya G. Smith and Holm’s dog, Par. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, 10:00 am, at The Garcia Opera House, 110 Abeyta Street, Socorro, NM with Pastor Ted Mattie officiating. A private interment will be held at the Socorro Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Holm O. "Cuatro" Bursum IV, Michael Bursum, Ben F. Spencer Sr., Ben F. Spencer Jr., Matthew S. McNaney and Joe Estrada. Honorary Pallbearers are Fred Robinson, Jerry Armijo, Don Tripp and John Howard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in Holm’s honor to the First Presbyterian Church of Socorro or the Socorro County Fair Board. Donation accounts have been opened at First State Bank, PO Box Z, Socorro, NM 87801. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.