Donald Alam

Don Alam, 79, died on May 13, 2023, at his home in Artesia surrounded by his wife and children.

Services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, May 20 at Saint Anthony's Catholic church. Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary from 2 to 6 pm on Friday. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Stewart McNeil, Jonathan McNeil, Zane Alam, Wesley Laman, Christopher Kayser, and Casen McDonald. Honorary pallbearers will be The Knights of Columbus members. A rosary is also scheduled for 6 pm Friday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

Don was born on July 27th, 1943, in Homer, Nebraska, the son of Leonard Edward Alam and Margaret Ruth Alam. He grew up in Walthill, Nebraska and received a master's degree in Science in Agriculture in 1965 from The University of Nebraska.

On June 13, 1964, he married Jerrilyne F. Malasek in Walthill, Nebraska. He and Jerrie moved multiple times before settling in Artesia NM. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, practical jokes, fun stories, and coffee visits with his friends. He was married to Jerrie for 58 years and had four children together. He was an avid member of the Knights of Columbus and active in his church.

Don's lifetime career was serving farmers, ranchers, and the community as a District Soil and Range Conservationist. He retired at the age of 55 and started consulting for farmers and ranchers in the area.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his sister Virginia Thompson.

Survivors include his wife Jerrilyne Alam; brother James (Jim) Alam and wife Linda; children, Mark Alam, Gayla Lagoy, Jared Alam and Sheila Laman and husband Travis Laman; grandchildren Stewart McNeil, Johnathan McNeil, Zane Alamand wife Jayme, Sterling McNeil, Brianna Bolden and husband John Escareno, LeeAnn Lagoy, Casen McDonald, Addalyne McDonald and bonus grandchildren: Wesley Laman, Matthew Laman, Kaitie Laman, Bryan Kayser and wife Abbi, Christopher Kayser, Caleb Kayser, and Haileigh Brown, great grandchildren: Amalia Escareno, Damian Escareno, Maylee Alam, Nayeli Escareno and baby to be born in July.

Family requests for everyone who can to attend a reception after the graveside service at the St. Anthony's Hall. We will be sharing our favorite "Don" stories and fellowshipping together.

A special thank you to Dr. Sexton, J and J Home Healthcare, Enhabit Hospice nurses and staff, especially nurse Jamie Elsfelder for their ongoing patience and love.