ANSEL ALGENON AUSTIN, age, 78, of Las Cruces passed away, Tuesday, September 12, 2023. He was born January 15, 1945, to Virgil and Mary Anna Austin.

Survivors include his sons, David Austin, and wife Pat; Ansel Joey Austin Jr; daughter Jessica Chavez and husband Larry all of Las Cruces; stepchildren Evonna Sullivan and husband Josh and Richard Brown and wife Kimberley of Fort Collins, Colorado; brother Keith Austin and wife, Kathy of Las Cruces. Ansel is also survived by his grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.  Ansel was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Wanda Brown Austin.

Ansel was born in Woodward, Oklahoma and was raised in Tularosa, New Mexico.  Ansel moved to Las Cruces where he entered the Las Cruces Police Academy and served as a patrol officer, motorcycle officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and retired as a Captain from the Las Cruces Police Department after 23 years of service.

After retirement Ansel enjoyed Bass fishing and participating in club tournaments and flying with the Civil Air Patrol.  As time passed Ansel enjoyed the quiet life working around the yard, the pecan orchard and spending time with his wife Wanda and the family pets.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 6 PM at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road.  Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date in a private family ceremony.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com