Clayton Meairs

F.L. Clayton Meairs

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 3, 2008 at the Ballard Chapel for F.L. Clayton Meairs, 99, of Roswell who passed away Sunday, December 23, 2007 at a local care center. Rev. Archie Echols of First United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Family will then receive family and friends at La Villa, 2725 N. Pennsylvania, Roswell, NM 88201.

Mr. Meairs will be in state on Wednesday, January 2, 2007 at 1:00p.m. until service time.

Clayton was born on February 2, 1908 in Waverly Kansas to Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Meairs. His parents have preceded him in death.

Clayton married Lila Blackwell on November 8, 1931.Clayton and Lila celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary before she passed away in 2002.

Clayton graduated from Isabel High School in Isabel, Kansas. He then went to Emporia State University in 1930 and received a Bachelors Degree. He attended Pittsburg State University and in 1939 received his Masters Degree.

He was a teacher in Hope, Kansas for 8 years. During his time in Hope he was President of Lions International, Master of Masonic Lodge 288 and Patron of Eastern Star Lodge 376.

He then moved to Roswell and taught in the Roswell Schools for 35 years. In 1964 he was President of the Roswell Educational Association and President of New Mexico Industrial Arts Association. He was in charge of ticket sales for all athletic games for Roswell High School for 20 years. In 1969 the Roswell High School yearbook El Coyote was dedicated to Mr. Meairs and in 1970 The Poe Corn Invitational Basketball Tournament was dedicated to him. Clayton retired from teaching in 1973. After his retirement, he was elected to the Hall of Fame of the NEA of South East New Mexico in 1988. He also served on the board of directors of the Chaves County School Employees Credit Union and on a state committee to formulate and write a guide for Industrial Arts for New Mexico.

During his retirement he and Lila enjoyed their cabin in Ruidoso. They spent hours china painting with many good friends.

Clayton is survived by a brother in law: Sam Sherman of Roswell, NM, two nephews and four nieces, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.
P Pallbearers will be John Owen, Bill Bonham, Erwin Marsh, Clyde Burnett, Glen Dennis, Lowell Davina, Troy Carlton, Steve Staeden, Rober

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88202
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
1:00 until service time

Service

Funeral Service

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
11:00 a.m.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203