Edward Scifres

Edward Lee Scifres passed from this life on September 17,2016, leaving behind a loving group of family and friends. He was 89 years old. He was born into the poor, hard-working family of Alfred and Carrie Scifres in Colgate, Oklahoma on December 9,1926. His rugged life continued during the depression era when the family migrated to the Pecos Valley in search of a drier climate for his mother's tuberculosis and the elusive work needed to support them all. "Lefty," as he was known for many of his earlier years, loved to recount the story of that trek. His father had sold most of what they owned in order to buy an old Dodge that would get them to the fertile valley where he could find the farming work he knew so well. They camped and picked cotton along the way to pay for gas and groceries. On the old Clovis Highway, a short ways north of what is now the Roswell Mall, their car ran out of gas. Out of money by this time, Alfred walked to the service station that was then located on the river and asked to purchase some gas, along with some bread and bologna on credit. The owner, having helped several "Okies" and "Arkies" at the time, never expected to get paid back. When Alfred went back weeks later to pay his bill, he was told that he was the first to ever do so. Edward incorporated that story into his worldview and worked hard for the rest of his life so that he would never again have to be in such a situation.

He joined the Navy at the age of seventeen and became a boatswain's mate, serving in Guam when WWII finally came to an end. He met and married the first love of his life, fifteen-year-old Phyllis Moore, before being mustered out and eventually returning to Roswell and the surrounding area. Working wherever he could, he drove truck, rough-necked, or worked in construction in order to pay the bills. He moved his growing family to California for a few years, but soon realized that Roswell provided a much better environment in which to raise children and returned, joining the Roswell Police Department in 1959. Despite having only a ninth grade education, he rose in the ranks until he finally retired as a Captain in 1982, having been in charge of several departments. When Phyllis's health declined and her insurance premiums increased exponentially, he was forced to return to working for the city until her death.

He eventually married the second love of his life, Jane Clements, in 1988. They enjoyed an active life together which included, not surprisingly, working. They built barns, they built fences, and they fixed up houses. Additionally, they raised goats and chickens and dogs until Jane's death. However, they always found time to squeeze in fishing trips to Graham, TX.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Kenneth Scifres and Truba King, wives Phyllis and Jane, and one son Steven. He is survived by his children Judy Weitz and husband Lynn, Vance Scifres and wife Robbie, Terry Scifres, Rick Scifres and wife Joanie, Joanne Scifres, Russell Scifres and wife Joy, all of Roswell. He is also survived by grandchildren Jody Scifres, Judy Dennis, David Scifres, Tammi Lee, Christina Wilson, Jonathan Scifres, Timothy Scifres, Carrie Scifres, Christopher Scifres, Joshua Boydstun, Derek Scifres, Peter Scifres, and Andrew Scifres. He is additionally survived by step-children John Smith and wife Adrianne, Jeff Smith and wife Teresa, and Janice Klemo and husband Kurt, as well as many greatgrandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Friday, September 23, 2016 at Ballard Funeral Home Chapel, with internment to follow at South Park Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Pastor Troy Grant.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jonathan Scifres, Timothy Scifres, Joshua Boydstun, Derek Scifres, Peter Scifres, and Andrew Scifres.

The family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, September 22, 2016
10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Service

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, September 23, 2016
10:00 am

Cemetery

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