Thomas Benjamin O'Rear, Jr, 64

Thomas Benjamin O'Rear, Jr. passed away Friday, November 6, 2009 from heart failure. He was born May 22, 1945 in Carrizozo, NM to Tom and Connie O'Rear. Tommy moved to Alamogordo in 1966 where he helped install the first TV cable system in Alamogordo and worked for the cable system for many years.

Tommy joined the US Army in1968, 101st Airborne Division and was sent to Vietnam where he was wounded in combat, then sent to Ft. Hood, TX for the remainder of his tour of duty.

In his younger years, Tommy participated in rodeo events as a bull rider. He was also heard many times at the Guy Warden arena in Alamogordo as a rodeo announcer and showed many a young bull rider the "ropes" of the sport. He loved drag racing his Chevy Luv truck and participated in many drag races throughout New Mexico. He loved to dance, was always there to lend a hand to his friends but he was best known as a loving father and grandfather.

His father, Tom O'Rear in l972, preceded Tommy in death. His survivors include is mother, Connie O'Rear of Alamogordo, NM, a sister Belle and her husband Frank Wayne of Humble, TX, five children, Christi and her husband John Buhrle of Pocatillo, ID; Dayle Rae Borunda and her husband Ray of Alamogordo, NM; Suzanna O'Rear of Greeley, CO; Clint O'Rear of San Antonio, TX and Drucilla O'Rear of Alamogordo, NM. Nine grandchildren, Anthony Saveedra, Michelle Buhrle, Becca Buhrle, Kory Guerra, Autumn O'Rear, Jace Beaty, Coby Bitolas, Jake Borunda and Elias Borunda. His companion Shelbi Sabo, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends, also survives him.

As Tommy touched many people's lives and was touched by many, there will be a celebration of his life at 1st Assembly of God, 801 10th St. Alamogordo on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. with Clarence "Yunk" Griffin officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial contribution be made to Compass Bank, 600 E . 9th Alamogordo, NM in his honor, under the names of Dayle Rae Borunda and Suzanna O'Rear.

We will miss you truly Daddy, Grandpa and old friend. Cowboy up and safe journey.