Dallas E. Orndorff

Beloved husband and father, Dallas E. Orndorff, age 52, of Rio Rancho passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

He loved his family and friends with his whole, huge heart. His kids, Calvin and Libby, were his world and he was theirs. He and his wife, Sara, while uniquely independent in their own right, were devoted companions and an admired and adored dynamic duo.

Dallas was born at Ft. Belvoir in Arlington, VA on June 28, 1970. He was a 1988 graduate of Eldorado High School and went on to attend the University of New Mexico where he became a member of Sigma Chi. He proudly served 20 years in the United States Navy, both active duty and as a reservist, and is a Veteran of the Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom. For the last 12 years, he has worked as an IT Engineer at the USDA Forest Service.

He was gregarious and generous, at the helm of most gatherings, and supported those he loved in their endeavors. He loved being with people, making them happy, making them think, making them laugh. Becoming a member of the Conchas Dam American Legion, the Rio Rancho Moose Lodge, and a spousal member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Rio Rancho, surrounding himself with fun-loving people, that just made perfect sense.

Dallas loved to build, repair, and play guitars. He adored boating and fishing with his Conchas Lake community, which he was so proud to be part of. He was new to darts, but found a huge community of friends and it quickly became his passion. He was a talented mechanic and woodworker, DIYer, and tinkerer, with a childlike and brilliant curiosity. And ask anyone, he made the best drink concoctions ever.

Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, Walton Orndorff and Marliese Kollner Orndorff; and brothers, Walton Orndorff, Richie Orndorff, and Randy Orndorff. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 17 years, Sara Gurrie Orndorff; his son, Calvin Orndorff (15); and his daughter, Elizabeth "Libby" Orndorff (13); parental guardians, Charles and Judy Harmon of Lake Frederick, VA; sisters, Tina Lojacono of Buffalo, NY, Kim Dixon of Ft. Myers, FL, Barbara Falcone of Winchester VA, Eva Staudt of France, and Loralee Adams of Tacoma, WA; brothers, Ian Harmon of Albuquerque, NM and Chuck Harmon of Albuquerque NM; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Dallas will be celebrated with a smile and a hearty laugh every time there's a dart thrown, a big ol' pig-of-a-fish caught, a beer opened, a whiskey poured, a brisket smoked, or a Joe Walsh song played. Which is exactly what he would have wanted.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m., at FRENCH – Westside.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Calvin's and Libby's education fund.
https://everloved.com/life-of/dallas-orndorff/donate/checkout/?flow=202&sa=1