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A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 28 at First United Methodist Church for Lewis Dale Caton of Artesia, New Mexico.
Mr. Caton, 82, died onSaturday , March 24, 2018 in Artesia.
Pastor Monty Leavell will officiate at the services.
Dale was born on February 14, 1936 in Clovis, N.M.; the son of Wilford Barnie Caton and Clemmie Norene Thomas Caton. On June 28, 1959 he married Lynell Burns in Alamogordo, N.M. She preceded him in death on Oct. 27, 2007. He came to Artesia in 2007 from Hobbs, N.M.
He attended the University of New Mexico, where he played basketball for the Lobos. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of New Mexico in 1959 and 1963.
He taught Physical Education and coached at Carlsbad, N.M. for 8 years. He then taught and was the head basketball coach at New Mexico Junior College from 1968 to 1977. After retiring from the coaching position, he became the Director of Physical Education, Intramurals and Intercollegiate Athletics. In 1982, Dale became the Assistant Superintendent of the Lovington Public Schools. He retired from his education career in 1991, ending a 32 year career in education. In 1993, he and his wife moved to Hobbs and became the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Hobbs.
While in Hobbs, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was very active in the church choir, serving on committees and teaching Sunday School. After moving to Artesia he became an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Artesia. He was an avid golfer and loved to watch his grandchildren play sports and other activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.
Survivors include a son Crit Caton of Artesia; a daughter Lynn Fanning of Artesia; grandchildren Kirstin Wachter, Koby Caton, Kyle Sundheimer, and Kaitlyn Rand; great-grandchildren Ella rand and Emrie Rand.
Guestbook Entries
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This is very sad. Dale and I went to high school together. He was a talented athlete, very intelligent and an all-around good guy. He and Lynell were both outstanding and popular people and their passing was is a great loss for the world. Barnie was the best superintendent Alamogordo ever had. A great family.
Norman Lindley
Alamogordo, NM -
So sorry to hear of Coach Caton’s Passing. My brother (Danny Whitlock) played basketball under him at NMJC in 1969. Mrs Caton was my teacher in High School. They were two of the finest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. May God give you comfort in this difficult time and knowing they are both together again.
Donna Burt
Hobbs, NM -
Dear Crit and family, please accept my sincere condolences on Dale's passing. He was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be missed.
Coach Hutt
Steve Huttanus
Artesia, NM -
Lynn, Crit and family: I'm very sorry to learn of your father's death. I've known the Caton family since 1st grade in Hobbs, NM. Lynn and I have been friends forever. I pray that you all are surrounded by God's love during these rough days. Your parents are both at peace now in heaven. I also pray that God gives you strength to go forward living your life and continue making your parents proud. You and Crit are truly blessed to have such great parents. I also pray for Crit's family as they grieve the loss of Eva Sue. Be strong my friends! I love you! Connie Haynes
Connie Haynes
Carmel, CA -
All of my memories of Dale are of Laughter and Kindness and Sage Advice. I treasure these memories and feel him forever with me. My sincerest condolences for your grief.
Love,
Jennie Lois
Jennie Thornton-Dean
Guilford, CT -
Our sincerest condolences to the Caton family. Peace be with you during this difficult time. Luis and Aida Florez
Luis and Aida Florez
Artesia, NM -
My sincere sympathies for your loss of your Father and Grandfather. May God give you a special portion of His grace and comfort during this difficult time.
Ruby Parker
Artesia, NM
Condolences(7)
Sign GuestbookNorman Lindley
Monday, April 02, 2018Alamogordo, NM
This is very sad. Dale and I went to high school together. He was a talented athlete, very intelligent and an all-around good guy. He and Lynell were both outstanding and popular people and their passing was is a great loss for the world. Barnie was the best superintendent Alamogordo ever had. A great family.
Donna Burt
Thursday, March 29, 2018Hobbs, NM
So sorry to hear of Coach Caton’s Passing. My brother (Danny Whitlock) played basketball under him at NMJC in 1969. Mrs Caton was my teacher in High School. They were two of the finest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. May God give you comfort in this difficult time and knowing they are both together again.
Steve Huttanus
Wednesday, March 28, 2018Artesia, NM
Dear Crit and family, please accept my sincere condolences on Dale's passing. He was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be missed.
Coach Hutt
Connie Haynes
Tuesday, March 27, 2018Carmel, CA
Lynn, Crit and family: I'm very sorry to learn of your father's death. I've known the Caton family since 1st grade in Hobbs, NM. Lynn and I have been friends forever. I pray that you all are surrounded by God's love during these rough days. Your parents are both at peace now in heaven. I also pray that God gives you strength to go forward living your life and continue making your parents proud. You and Crit are truly blessed to have such great parents. I also pray for Crit's family as they grieve the loss of Eva Sue. Be strong my friends! I love you! Connie Haynes
Jennie Thornton-Dean
Tuesday, March 27, 2018Guilford, CT
All of my memories of Dale are of Laughter and Kindness and Sage Advice. I treasure these memories and feel him forever with me. My sincerest condolences for your grief.
Love,
Jennie Lois
Luis and Aida Florez
Monday, March 26, 2018Artesia, NM
Our sincerest condolences to the Caton family. Peace be with you during this difficult time. Luis and Aida Florez
Ruby Parker
Monday, March 26, 2018Artesia, NM
My sincere sympathies for your loss of your Father and Grandfather. May God give you a special portion of His grace and comfort during this difficult time.