Joseph Posz

Memorial services will be held for Joseph Daniel Posz, 73, of Roswell at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at the New Mexico Military Institute Chapel. Joseph passed away Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Roswell, Joseph was born on Sept. 18, 1933 to Lt. Col Joseph Albert Posz and Ruby Moen Posz. He and Nancy Thomas were married June 16, 1957; she survives him at the family home. Joseph attended New Mexico Military Institute receiving his high school diploma in 1951 receiving a Bachelors of Science degree from NMMI in 1955, and a Masters Degree from American Technological University in 1975. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Joseph was a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, serving from 1955-1976, service in West Germany 1959-1960, and two combat tours in Vietnam 1965 and 1970 (seven campaigns). Numerous service schools including the US Army Command and General Staff College. He received decorations including, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, oak leaf cluster, Metorious Unit Citation, and Vietnam Unit Citation, qualified Airborne Ranger and Aviation. He belonged to the Retired Officers Association, Association of the Army, United States Calvary Association, Military Order of the World Wars, and the NMMI Alumni Association, the VFW, American Legion, FOP, and ESGR. Joseph served as District Magistrate Division I, Chaves County Judge from 1987-1990. He was listed in the Who’s Who in the West 1982-1983, Who’s Who in American Education 1992-1993, and Who’s Who Among Teachers 1996 and in publications including article “A New Vehicle for Calvary,” Armor Magazine 1964, article “ To Train a Cavalryman” Armor Magazine 1964, article “Diamond Jubilee” New Mexico Magazine 1967, book “Military Heroes of New Mexico Military Institute” NMMI library 1994, and West Point of the West, A Family Odyssey, 2004. In addition to his wife, Nancy, Joseph is survived by his children, Joseph Thomas Posz and his wife, Anne Carroll, of Palm Harbor, FL, Julie Anne Posz Spangler and her husband, Bruce, and John F. Posz and his wife, Coetta, both of Roswell; grandchildren, Michele and Jennifer Posz, Harley and Bruce Cody Spangler, and Derrick and Darrah Torres; great-grandchildren, Samantha Spangler and Alishia Torres; his mother, Ruby Posz Anderson; sister, Cathy Posz Johnson and her husband, David E., of Dallas, TX; and his beloved cats. Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Albert Posz. In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made to the Sally Port Fund NMMI Alumni Association 101 West College Roswell NM 88201.

Joseph Posz

September 18, 1933 - January 5, 2007