Betty Long Edwards
Betty Long Edwards passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022, at her home with her family by her side after an extended illness. She was born January 12, 1933, and was raised, married, and settled in Bradford County.
She had several careers throughout her lifetime, but her true passion was the Brahman cattle industry.
She and her husband, J. M., spent decades breeding, raising, and showing award-winning Brahman cattle.
In 2017, the Florida State Fair Brahman Show was dedicated to her lifelong legacy of American Brahman. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 60 years, J. M. Edwards; her parents, Eugene and Lois Long: her brothers, Robert and Eugene Long; and her cherished grandson, Justin Edwards.
She is survived by her children, Tom Edwards, Patricia Wainwright (Tom Smith), Sue (Howe) Moredock, Zack Edwards, and Debbie (Tom) Kavanaugh; her grandchildren, Shannon (Clay) Whitaker, Drew (Kara) Wainwright, Denyse Edwards, Lindsey (Jimmy) Williams, Matthew Hull, Adam (Laura) Wainwright, Allison (Tatum) Davis, Zachary Hull, and Taylor Hull; 17 great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way); one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Martha Epps (Shawna and Shae); and lifetime friend, Helen Crosby.
L. Neil Burchman
Lon Neil Burcham (Neil) of Las Cruces, NM entered eternal rest on December 7, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born in Siloam Springs, Arkansas on November 15, 1941, to Lon and Anna Burcham, but was raised on the family ranch in Jay, OK.
He received his BA degree in Animal Husbandry from Oklahoma State, served in the US Army for 2 years, then got his graduate degree from Arkansas University.
He came to New Mexico State in 1969, to teach Animal Science and Swine Production in the Ag Department.
He was the coach for the Judging Team for many years and was in charge of the breeding program for the college ranch until his retirement in December 2017. He loved teaching and helped many students fi nd jobs through the years, many of whom became close personal friends.
In 1977, he married Marilyn Hess Berryman and inherited 4 grown children who then proceeded to make him “grandpa” over the years with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Prior to his passing he was notified of his induction into the ABBA Hall of Fame in 2023. There will be a public Celebration of Life to be held January 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces, NM.
