Albert Dean O'Rear

Albert Dean O’Rear, age 89, passed away in his sleep on July 2, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. He is preceded in death by his parents and six siblings. He is survived by his wife, Karen; two sisters, Joyce Neuhold and Lona Mae Murphy; three children, Ronald O’Rear, Rhonda Neel and husband, Steve, and Lee O’Rear and wife, Donna; nine grandchildren, Camille Garcia and husband, Chris, Cameron O’Rear, Jordan Peer and husband, Johnathan, Reilly O’Rear and wife, Alicia, Paige Neumann and husband, Andrew, Gabriel Neel and wife, Galileah, Zachery, Nathaniel, and Raphael Neel; Justin, Tim, and Sarah Baumgarten; and two great-grandchildren.

Albert was born to Leonard and Myra O’Rear on June 28, 1935, in Balmorhea, Texas. He was taught at an early age the importance of providing for his family, and at the age of six was pulled out of the first grade to help pick cotton. After repeating the first grade, Albert’s mother insisted that his education take priority, and he was not pulled out of school to pick cotton again. When Albert reached high school, he became involved in sports and played both basketball and football for the Balmorhea Bears. He graduated in 1954 and entered the United States Navy, where he served for four years.

After being honorably discharged from the navy, Albert attended Abilene Christian College. He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a minor in Bible. It was at ACC in 1958 that he met his wife, Karen Goosen. The two became acquainted in a math class, but Albert didn’t ask Karen out until Christmas of that school year. He liked to tell people that he met a pretty young girl, who came into the math class and sat next to him. The two were married on July 11, 1959. The couple welcomed their first child, Ronald, in 1961, shortly before Albert graduated from college.

That same year, Albert was hired by the Internal Revenue Service, and the new family moved to Dallas, Texas, where he attended IRS training school. After completing his training, he started his career in Plainview, TX, and worked there for nine years. While in Plainview, Albert and Karen celebrated the birth of their daughter, Rhonda, in 1963, and their youngest son, Lee, in 1965. After leaving Plainview, Albert worked in five other locations throughout Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico, including Lubbock, Durango, Denver, Farmington, and Albuquerque. He retired in Albuquerque in 1990, after a 29-year career.

Albert and Karen enjoyed retirement. They relocated to Cortez, CO, in 1993, where they lived until 1999. They moved to Edmond, OK, in 1999, and lived there until 2011. While in Edmond, both Albert and Karen worked part time for Matthews Funeral Home, where Albert served as a limousine driver, greeter, and usher. He also drove the flower wagon to the cemetery for graveside services. The couple loved to travel and purchased a timeshare, which allowed them to venture to new places. They often travelled with family members or good friends. In 2011, the couple moved back to Albuquerque to be close to their children and grandchildren after Albert was diagnosed with dementia.

Albert was a strong Christian man. He was an avid student of the Bible and taught adult Bible classes for the churches in which he was a member. He was friendly to everyone and loved talking to people. He also served as a deacon and led singing at church services. He and Karen were very involved in church activities and loved being part of the churches in which they were members.

Albert had a competitive spirit and loved playing the domino game “42” with friends and family. He had a knack for understanding the strategy of the game and was a formidable opponent. He also enjoyed playing card games with his children and grandchildren.

Albert was a good provider for his family and a devoted husband. He and Karen shared a deep love and commitment to one another and would have celebrated 65 years of marriage on July 11. Although he will be greatly missed by his family and friends, there is peace in knowing he is rejoicing in the presence of His Lord and Savior.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at FRENCH – Westside Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Riverside Church of Christ, 3100 La Orilla Rd. NW - Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Albert be honored through donations to the Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home, 5700 Winter Haven Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120; or at acch4kids.org