Michael Congable

Michael A. Congable, 76, a longtime resident of Cedar Crest, New Mexico passed away in his home on Friday, January 5, 2024 with his wife by his side. He fought a lengthy and courageous fight from complications with heart and respiratory illnesses.

Michael was born in 1947 to Kelieto and Helen Meese Congable in Santa Monica, California. Following graduation from Valley High School in 1965, Michael entered the Air Force and was Honorably Discharged from duty in 1969. He was a mechanic for over 25 years, and then retired from truck driving after 23 years with 2½ million accident free miles to his name. Michael grew up enjoying car racing with his father and spent many years in Albuquerque as a race car mechanic (mostly sprint cars) for Butch Capo and Larry Demaree. He won Mechanic of the Year in 1978 presented by the New Mexico Motor Racing Association for his work with Butch Capo through that racing season. Michael enjoyed traveling to different racing events, and enjoyed the time he spent hunting and fishing in New Mexico with his long-time friend Don Daily, and many family members.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Greta Kathy Congable; and daughter, Karen L. McFarland. He is also survived by his brothers, Chase and Bella Congable (daughter, Lynn), and Quill and Judy Congable; and sister, Stacey Petersen (children, Coddie Tatro, Cole Marr, Jake Marr, and Bo Petersen); his three grandsons, Nathan and Alea McFarland (children, Jocelyn and Adalynn), Shea Thun (daughter, McKenna), and Cody Thun (son, Grayson); his nephews, Jacob Patterson and Rosie Martinez (children, Makayla and Shania), Daniel and Amanda Patterson, and David Mark Patterson, IV; his nieces, Charlotte and Kevin Dinerstein (children, Shane and Chloe), and Stephanie Patterson and companion Rod Eaves; and his sisters-in-law, Jennifer Patterson and companion Bob Bryant and Bonnie and Dan Ducharme.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Kelieto and Helen Meese Congable; and his brother, Chris; grandparents, Joseph and Filipinea (Lisac) Meese, and George and Ivy Peavy Congable; father-in-law, George B. Patterson, Sr.; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George B. and Gayle D. (Warner) Patterson, Jr., and brother-in-law, David Mark Patterson, III.

Michael will be remembered for his love of New Mexico, and as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. We will miss you!

A special thank you goes to Michael's doctors, nurses, and staff at Presbyterian Healthcare Services for the patience, kindness, and professional care given him these past eleven years, and to Ambercare Hospice for their care and support during this very difficult past ten-month period. A very special thank you goes to Jessica Martinez for the love, care, and comfort given Michael, and to the whole "Patterson" clan for their love and support. The family thanks French Funerals for their professional care of Michael and for the aftercare to the family, and gives sincere thanks the Santa Fe National Cemetery staff for the respect and honor shown Michael.

A family service and burial with military honors was held January 22, 2024 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please make contributions to the agency of your choice committed to caring for military veterans.