John Cardwell

John Henry Rodric Cardwell, age 95, born in Brownfield, Texas and resident of Socorro, New Mexico passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2019.  Mr. Cardwell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Jo Cardwell, age 87, born in Hollis, OK and resident of Socorro, New Mexico on November 25, 2018.  Mr. and Mrs. Cardwell were married for 68 years.  Together their love created a loving family.  John and Peggy are survived by their son, Robert Cardwell and wife, Karen; Peggy’s sisters, Mildred Vearlen Cassady, Emma Ethel Cassady, Vearl Green and Betty Sue Ellick; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  They were preceded in death by Peggy’s parents, Robert and Vearl May; John’s parents, James Olen and Reatha (Corning) Cardwell; their daughters, Debra Seeton, Jennifer Wark and husband, John;  Peggy’s brothers, Robert John May, James Cooper May, and Melton Samuel May.

John retired from the White Sands Missile Range as a photo operations specialist.  He was a WWII veteran who served as a Tanker Sailor in the 7th fleet of the US Navy.  John and Peggy adored each other and loved their family deeply.  Peggy dedicated her time after retirement from the local grocery store in Socorro to being active in her grandchildren’s lives.   John and Peggy also dedicated their time to taking their grandchildren to practices, school activities and music lessons.   They loved having the opportunity to take them on trips, camping, fishing, hunting, arts & craft shows and to church.   Peggy loved cooking, canning, sewing, painting, making arts & crafts and especially hunting for crystals. She always saw the best in everyone she met.  She and John will be deeply missed and thought of often.

A Committal service for both Mr. and Mrs. Cardwell will be Friday, February 15, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.