Leslie Mcpherson

Leslie A. McPherson, age 93 of Roswell passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 25, 2015 with his long time dearest friend and caregiver Rosie Ginanni by his side.
Les was born in La Donia, Missouri on August 19, 1921 to Samuel and Ona McPherson. He had a brother Vadis and two sisters Norma Jean and Nadine now all deceased. Les was also preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth Cobean McPherson and his daughter Alice Jean Terrell.
Survivors include his dearest friend Rosie Ginanni; his daughter Ruth Ann Speth and her husband Otto; son-in-law Tommy Terrell; two grandsons Eric Sizer and his wife Gina and their children Ethan and Savannah from Denver, CO, Jason Sizer and his wife Denise and their daughter Zuri also of Denver, CO.
Les was very fond of Rosie's daughter Rosetta and her husband Ben Salcido and their children Ross, Andrew, Robert Angelo and Bella from Roswell.
In 1937 Les moved to Roswell from Texas where he spent his childhood and also received his education. As he moved here he was employed by Packway Grocery Store. While working there he met Ruth Cobean whom lived a few doors down. The couple fell in love and were married. From that beautiful union came two beautiful little girls Ruth Ann and Alice Jean.
Les was very proud to have served his country in the United States Navy from October 5, 1943 to December 10, 1945; he served in the Pacific aboard the USS Makassar Strait. In July of 2006 Les and his wife Ruth attended a special trip to Fredericksburg, TX in honor of the men of the USS Makassar Strait.The crew received two battle stars for their participation in WWII battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The ship steamed more than 91,000 miles and more than 15, 000 landings in support of the Allied Victory in the Pacific. In special remembrance of the five airmen lost from their squadron in 2012, Les returned to Texas to visit the National Museum of the Pacific War once again.
Les had another family, the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) which he was a part of and supported since it first came to Roswell in 2001. He felt very strong about Law Enforcement officers and also for the school teachers. He really loved and supported them all. Les enjoyed talking to people and was a big people person. Everywhere he saw police officers he would always stop and thank them for their services. He would encourage young kids to continue their studies and would say a good education will always give you a good job. Les loved people and it was his desire to always help them.
After returning from having served his country, Les went to work at Cobean Stationery Company. Soon after that he and his wife Ruth became owners of the business and remained there until it closed in 2011. During his early years, he was an avid outdoors man and excellent small game and upland bird hunter. In later years, his interest switched to trout fishing. He enjoyed many pleasant outings with his friends at Surprise Valley in northern New Mexico. He was physically active and he was an avid racquetball player who played twice a week for many years. One of his favorite past times was to visit the Senior Circle daily for coffee and visit with his good friends. Les enjoyed traveling with his son-in-law Otto Speth on many occasions. One thing Les always enjoyed every time he could, was to eat "a little" junk food - cheetos and coke. He liked sharing these treats with his good friend Star II, Rosie and his dog, they were good pals.
A gathering of family and friends for Les will be from 4-6 pm, Friday, May 1, 2015 at Ballard Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Christ Church. Pastor Jerry Chaves and Associate Pastor Lonnie Owen of Christ Church will officiate. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery with Roswell Veteran's Honor conducting military graveside services.
Serving as pallbearers are Frank Taylor, Phil Smith, Britt Snider, Ross Doerr, Carlos Rodriguez and Jaime Fiero. Honorary pallbearers are International Law Enforcement Academy Staff, Monday Morning Prayer Group, Senior Circle, Mr. and Mrs. Javier Gusman, Mr, and Mrs. Ernie Williamson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pardo, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fleenor, Mr. and Mrs. Rodger Garay, Jim Turner, Julie Spellman, Jim McDevitt, Dick Goodwin, Patrick Sedillo, John Franco, Ray Fortune, John Popham, Al Harris, Mark Taylor and Gus Ramirez.
Special thanks to all that gave such wonderful care to Les during his time of need; Dr. Feroze, Dr, Vaillant, Dr. McGuire, ENMMC, Casa Maria Rehabilitation, Gentiva Hospice, Frontier Medical, Lin Care, Wheelchair and Walker Rental Inc. and 911.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of Les McPherson to the Reflections and Recovery Women's Shelter, PO Box 721, Roswell, NM 88202.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, May 1, 2015
4:00 to 6:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Christs Church
2200 N. Sycamore
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, May 2, 2015
10:00 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

PO Box 721
Roswell, NM  88202