This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Eubanks, Hedges, Merle Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4916/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Shelton Eubanks passed on to our Lord at his residence in Las Cruces on Tues, Nov 2nd. He was surrounded by his loving family. He lived a full life with many friends and was an inspiration to those who knew him. He was one of nine children born to Shelton and Virgie Eubanks in Vernal, Mississippi on August 21, 1935. He attended school there and at nearby Leakesville. In 1957, he married Deanna Hedges and shortly thereafter became the father to Jodie and Jimmy Eubanks. Shelton retired in 1988 from White Sands Missile Range after proudly serving 33 years as a civilian employee. During that time, he played a key role in the National Range Telemetry division where he and other range personnel monitored and reported on critical long-range missile performance parameters during the cold war testing years up to and including NASA Space Shuttle missions. He oversaw the early development of some of the Range's very first advanced tracking stations which are still in use near the major! launch complexes east of the WSMR main post area, as well as some of the remote tracking sites at the mid and up-range areas. He was an outdoorsman and loved the time spent with friends and family, whether he was out hunting, fishing, or both. After retirement, he was always busy with many different projects as he had many talents. He became an avid gold prospector and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Shelton was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at his home lodge, Jornada Lodge #70 in Mesilla, NM on Sept 8, 2010. Although he was hampered by health problems during the past few years, he did not let that keep him from doing the things that knew were important such as making sure his loved ones were safe and, most important, taking care of his loving wife of 53 years. His compassion for friends and family was one of the most endearing qualities he possessed. He is survived by his wife Deanna, children Jodie and Jimmy, grandchildren Jason and Nicole, brothers Wayne and Nolan, and sisters Jean, Avis, and Eva-Ray. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ruben and William (Bill), and sister Ruby-Merle. He leaves behind a legacy known only to those who were fortunate to have been blessed by his friendship and wisdom. A brief service will be held at 10 a.m. on Sat, Nov 6th at the La-Paz Grahams Funeral Home, followed by interment at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. As a final note, Shelton wanted those who knew and loved him to know that he'll "be waiting on the porch swing". Services have been entrusted to the care of La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home 555 West Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on November 5, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.