William Brainerd

BRAINERD, WILLIAM F. - William F. Brainerd, born on July 21, 1927 to William F. and Virginia Brainerd in Wichita Falls, Texas, he was the first of five children. The Family later moved to Amarillo where Bill attended Price High School. Prior to graduation he convinced his mother (father was deceased) to allow him to join the Navy at the age of 17, where he served in the Asiatic/Pacific Theater in WWII. Upon his return, he earned his B.B.A. degree from West Texas State University in 1949 and his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1952.

After his college graduation, he worked with Atlantic Refining Company in Dallas and later transferred to New Mexico to handle a water rights case. While in Roswell he met Connie Hendricks. They married in 1954 and had seven children in the following ten years. He began his private law practice in Roswell in 1955.

Bill was elected Mayor of Roswell for the first time in 1968, just 9 months following the closure of Walker Air Force Base. He served three 2- year terms, ending in 1974. He ran again and was reelected in 1986 for a 4- year term, then again in 1990 for a second 4- year term. Through the years Bill was involved with city government in many capacities including multiple boards and commissions, and has been the recipient of numerous public service awards.

Bill passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. With family members by his side. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Connie, his sister and one brother. He is survived by two brothers, many nieces and nephews, his seven children, Sheri(Danny),Sheila, Billy(Nancy),Michael, Bonnie(David), Tim(Nora), and Philip(Kelly), eight grandchildren, Blake (Isla), Eric (Kristin), Stephen (Vanessa), Ryan, Chris, Skylar (Ryan), Connie, and forest, and one great grandson, Geirdan.

All of our family would like to thank Elisabeth and every member of the staff at the BeeHive for their exceptional care in these past few months. You are amazing, compassionate human beings! Thank you so much!

A vigil will be held from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday, December 9, 2018 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM, Monday, December 10, 2018 at Assumption Catholic Church. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery with Fr. Jarek Nowacki officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Poor Clare Monastery in Roswell, Chaves County Joy Center, or your favorite charity.

Visitation

Vigil

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Sunday, December 9, 2018
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Service

Funeral Mass

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N Kentucky Ave
Roswell, NM  88201
Monday, December 10, 2018
2:00 PM

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203