Charles "Wayne" Cumiford

Charles "Wayne" Cumiford was born in Mountainair, NM on July 5, 1931, to Pete and Nancy Cumiford. He was the oldest of six children, Wayne, Phyllis, James, baby Cumiford, Alan, and Lindel. The family homesteaded a bean farm in Mountainair, NM where the family worked together for many years harvesting New Mexico's best pinto beans. He played baseball throughout high school and graduated from Mountainair high school. After high school he joined the Marines during the Korean War. He once mentioned that he did not understand what the others complained about during boot camp, since it was easier than working on the farm or running his milk route.

After returning home from the Marine Corp, he joined his family at their home in the south valley. He joined his father working at Albuquerque Gravel where he met Ralph Williams, his future father-in-law.

He and his family attended Bethel Baptist Church, where he met Loly Williams. They dated until they married on December 22, 1956. Wayne and Loly raised their four children in the church where he served as deacon for many years. Towards the end of his life, Wayne and Loly moved their membership to First Baptist Church of Bosque Farms.

Wayne started his mechanic career at Ronnies Automotive then Albuquerque Gravel and finally with Rutherford Construction, which later became Summit Construction until his retirement. During his life he enjoyed keeping a pristine landscaped yard and shop. Anyone who worked with him knew how to clean and put away the tools used if you ever wanted to use it again.

Wayne's knowledge and skills with both wood and metal work was astounding. He was always available to help his boys, son or sons-in-law, with any projects they had. From windmills to toy trucks, there was nothing he couldn't do, nor was there any task he was unwilling to help with.

He loved his wife Loly and his family unconditionally. Wayne provided for his family faithfully. He loved and served Jesus throughout his life. He was always first to step up to help anyone in need. He taught his children and grandchildren how to work hard and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Like camping in the back yard with grandkids.

He loved camping, hunting and fishing and would spend as much time possible on these activities. There were many summers when extended families would gather to camp and fish on the Brazos creek. Many cousins looked forward to this annual trip. Later he fished with friends and family at Trujillo Meadows in Colorado, Bluewater Lake, Elephant Butte, and his favorite was Herron Lake.

He returned to his heavenly home at the age of 92, on December 30, 2023, at his home in the company of family. He was preceded in death by his siblings, baby Cumiford, James, Alan, and Lindel. He is survived by his wife, Loly; sister, Phyllis Detzler; children, Teri & Rick, Justin & Cheryl, Tracy & Grant, and Tami & Daniel; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - University. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.