Thomas Edward Durham

Thomas "Ted" Durham, aged 61, an extraordinary father, doting grandfather, loving husband, and loyal friend, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023. He was known for his fun-loving and warm personality, his dependability, and his devotion to his family. Ted was always there for the people in his life who needed him. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and closest friends in his home and beautiful garden.

Ted was a proud New Mexican; he was born in Albuquerque in 1962 and was raised in Las Cruces. Ted met his high school sweetheart and future wife Monica Gonzales his sophomore year at Las Cruces High School, where they both graduated in 1980. He attended and graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, Ted joined the Las Cruces Police Department as a police officer in 1985. Ted and Monica were married in 1985 and a year later welcomed two twin daughters. Three years later, their twin boys were born. He was accepted into the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1992 and moved with his family to El Paso, TX. The Durham family subsequently moved to Albuquerque, NM, where they have resided since 2004. Ted spent his entire professional career serving and protecting his community in law enforcement. He had recently retired from the FBI as a Special Agent in 2021 after 30 years of dedicated service.

Ted is survived by his wife, Monica Gonzales Durham, his children, Danielle Vigil and her husband, Edmund Vigil, Celeste Valencia and her husband, Peter Joseph Valencia, Nicholas Durham, and Alexander Durham and his fiancé, Amanda Dalton. He had recently welcomed his first grandchild, Liliana Rose Vigil, into the world four months before his passing. Ted is survived by his mother, Claudia Durham; brother, Robert Durham and his wife, Joanie Griffin; and sister, Virginia Durham.
Ted also leaves his loved in-laws, Gloria Gonzales, Daniel Gonzales, Elinor Gonzales, Stephen Gonzales, Jennifer Gonzales, Paul Gonzales, Maria Angelikis, David Gonzales, Christine Woodson, Kristine Holloway, and Chad Holloway, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Edward Durham I.

A rosary for the soul of our beloved Ted will take place on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 with a mass immediately following the rosary at 10:15 a.m. A reception will be hosted after the funeral at the St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church's Hall. A private family Interment will follow at a later date at the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Albuquerque.