Bill Creighton

Bill Don Creighton, 78, passed away on November 12, 2015, in Albuquerque, NM, following heart surgery. He was born on December 19, 1936, to William Bishop Creighton and Lois Castello Lott, in Lamesa, TX. Living in Ft. Worth, TX, with his parents, Bill’s father died suddenly when Bill was nine. He later went to live with his Uncle Curtis and Aunt Ruth Creighton, in Elida, NM. After graduating High School, Bill met his future wife, Sue Brady and married her on July 25, 1957, in Fort Worth, TX. They celebrated 58 years together. Moving to Roswell in 1958, Bill worked for Glover Meat Packing Company. He was in charge of the kitchen and smokehouse, making varieties of lunch meats, including smoked meats such as turkey, ham and jerky. Bill’s recipe for hot links is still used today by Longhorn Company. He later became a USDA food inspector and served twenty-one years, moving several times during his career. Bill was a hard worker, doing shift work and standing on cement floors for 10 to 12 hours a day. He was known to be a tough inspector, ensuring a quality and safe product for the public. Bill retired in 1999, returning to Roswell. He loved taking his family hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and enjoying all outdoor activities. Bill bought the first Chevy Blazer ever sold in Roswell. Other hobbies included catching and tanning rattlesnakes, making belts, hat bands, and purses. He enjoyed cooking meat and always provided for his family. Although Bill had numerous health problems in his life, he was not a complainer, but always cheerful. Preceding Bill in death were his parents, William and Lois Creighton. Those left to carry on his heritage are his wife, Sue, of the home; three children: Sandra Dee and husband Ron Merritt, of Ramon, NM; Joleen Montana, of Roswell; and Randy and wife Megan Creighton, of Dexter; grandchildren: Stacy and husband Jared Green, Lance Merritt, Brady Montana, Crystal Montana, Shayla Smith, Lane Creighton and Lexi Creighton; and one great-grandson, Jace Green. A funeral service honoring Bill’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, 10:00 AM, at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home. A burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Pastor Doug Austin will officiate. Pallbearers will be Randy Creighton, Ron Merritt, Brady Montana, Lance Merritt, Mike Mooring and Jared Green. The family requests donations be made to the NM Christian Children’s Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, NM 88130, in lieu of flowers. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories of Bill with his family in the online register at andersonbethany.com. Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Bill Creighton

December 19, 1936 - November 12, 2015