Harold Creswell

Memorial services are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Terpening Son Mortuary for Harold A. Creswell of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Creswell, 86, died Saturday evening, August 25, 2012, at his home.

Rev. Monty Leavell will officiate at the services. There will be no visitation. Cremation will take place.

Harold was born January 17, 1926 to Arthur B. and Millie Anna Shimer Creswell in Casey, Illinois. After graduation from Robinson Ill. High School, Harold enlisted in the USAAF as an Aviation Student. When the program was discontinued he was assigned as a weather observer and teletypewriter operator and technician. Upon returning home, he worked as a tooldresser with his father on cable tool rigs, drilling oil and commercial water wells.

In 1949 he began pilot training in the USAF. Upon completion, he was assigned to Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, N.M. where he met Mary Elizabeth Beth Poulson from Lorenzo, Texas. They were married March 6, 1951 In Lubbock, Texas.

In May of 1951 Harold and his B29 crew were sent to Japan where they spent eight months flying 50 missions in the Korean Conflict.

He received his BA degree from Texas Tech and later his MA degree from Eastern New Mexico University.

Harold and family came to Artesia in 1957 when he was employed as a reporterphotographer and eventually editor by the Artesia Daily Press. In 1960 he operated a portrait and commercial photography studio until 1965 when he was employed by the Artesia Public Schools. In the 22 years at Artesia High School he taught several subjects and filmed the Bulldog football games as well as processing sports film for several Pecos Valley schools. He retired in 1987.

Harold was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Artesia Association of Educational Retirees. He was a member and served as president of Valley Lions Club, Pecos Valley Amateur Radio Club, Eastern New Mexico Senior Golf Association, and Artesia Chapter of American Field Service and served on the Board of Directors of Eddy County Court Appointed Special Advocates. He enjoyed family camping, fishing and waterskiing trips and hunting with his son and friends.

Survivors include his wife Beth Creswell of the family home son Art Creswell and wife Connie of Roswell daughters Christy Chaney and husband Jerry of Artesia and Carol Mitchell and husband Clay of Slaton, Texas seven grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Eddy County C.A.S.A., 405 S. 2nd St., Artesia, NM 88210.