Thomas G. Schmeckpeper

Thomas G. Schmeckpeper, age 82, of Albuquerque NM passed away peacefully on October 18, 2014. Beloved husband of Neva for 62 years. Loving father of Gail Murray (Hoyt), Dawn Fend (Tom), Dana George (Bill), Kent Schmeckpeper and Mark Schmeckpeper. Adored grandfather to Nathan, Scott, Courtney, Marc, Allyson, Lindsay, Cameron, Kelsey, and Hunter; cherished great-grandfather to Caroline. A 1953 graduate of the University of Michigan; he remained a devoted fan of the Michigan Wolverines. He served as an officer in the US Army Signal Corps from 1953 to 1955 and served in the Army Reserves from 1955 - 1981, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He enjoyed a 39-year career with the US Forest Service, serving as Deputy Regional Forester in New Mexico and nearby states. In retirement, as a member of the Sky High Optimist Club, a favorite past time included volunteering at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival having been instrumental in securing funding for the Smokey Bear Balloon. Services will be held Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 10,000 Spain Road NE, 87111. A Military interment will be held Monday, November 10, 2014 at 2:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 591 North Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM. Instead of flowers, donations can be sent to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or to Gentiva Hospice, 5600 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Suite 10, Albuquerque, NM 87109-3136. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400