12 Feb 1943 – 9 Feb 2011
3rd-Great-Grandson of Philip Cardon and Martha Marie Tourn
2nd-Great-Grandson of Louis Philip Cardon and Susette Stalé
Great-Grandson of Joseph Samuel Cardon and Selenia Mesenile Walker
Grandson of Junius Welborn Cardon Sr. and Mae Whiting
Son of Junius Welborn Cardon Jr. and Rozane Foutz
Lloyd Ray “Butch” Cardon, 67, of Farmington, went to be with his heavenly Father on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, in Farmington NM, surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 12, 1943, in Farmington, to Junius Wilburn “Wig” Cardon and Rose Foutz Cardon.
He graduated from Farmington High School in 1961, and received a financial degree after attending San Juan College and Transamerica Institute of Finance in 1965.
In 1963, he married his wife, Joyce Smith, in Farmington. They moved to Odessa, Texas, where he worked for El Paso Natural Gas Company, returning shortly after to settle in the Four Corners area. They spent the next 14 years working and owning trading posts on the reservation, while raising their family.
In 1976, they came back to Farmington, where Butch went to work at First National Bank. He became the vice-president of the Shiprock branch and retired after 26 years.
He loved the Native American people and their history, and made many friends because he spoke the Navajo language.
Butch was active as a coach for the Farmington Amateur Baseball programs for 11 years, coaching both of his sons to the Connie Mack World Series. He helped with the Shiprock Fair Kids Animal Auction and served as a leader for Cub and Boy Scouts in Tuba City, Ariz., and in Farmington.
He was an avid fisherman and spent many summers fishing at Vallecito Lake. Every summer he would plant his amazing garden; a skill he worked hard to pass on to his grandsons. He was the ultimate Cowboys fan.
He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Joseph H. Smith; sisters-in-law, Judy Davidson and Ramona Smith; and brother-in-law, Gary Smith.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 47 years, Joyce Smith Cardon, and his children, the joy of his life, sons, Donald Ray (Taresa) Cardon of Houston, Texas, and Kirk Duane (Margie) Cardon; daughter, Alicia Cardon of Farmington; six grandchildren; and his greatest glory, his three great-grandchildren. His great-grandchildren were the 5th generation born in San Juan County. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Jewel Smith, brothers, Kent (Helen) Cardon, Robert (Elouise) Cardon and Jack (Sandy) Cardon; sister-in-law, Jeannie Smith; special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was also truly blessed with so many special friends. Butch touched many lives.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington.
Funeral services for Butch will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, College Boulevard Chapel, 4400 N. College Ave. in Farmington, with Bishop Chris James conducting.
Pallbearers are Donald Cardon, Kirk Cardon, Christopher Cardon, Lance Cardon, Shane Cardon, Devan Swiful, Robert A. Cardon, Jack Cardon and Mike Wells.
Memorial contributions may be made in Butch’s memory to the charity of your choice. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com.
Arrangements are with Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, (505) 325-8688.
-Published in Farmington Daily Times from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13, 2011
Memory Gardens of Farmington, Farmington, San Juan County, New Mexico