Thomas Carter McConnell, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2025 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  He was born on June 29, 1933 in Merced CA, the son of Edna (Fitchett) and Frank McConnell. Tom graduated from Merced High School in Merced CA where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Anne Olives.   Following their marriage in 1953, Tom enlisted in the US Army, and the couple was stationed at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), where they resided in Las Cruces, New Mexico. After his service, Tom joined the Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) at New Mexico State University. There, he designed antennas for various sounding rockets at WSMR and developed instrumental test stands for diverse PSL projects. Notably, one of his complete instrument packages measured the efficiency of solar water heating panels, with results used by companies worldwide to improve their products.

The family later moved to Hatch, where they became deeply involved in the local community and raised their five sons. During his time there, Tom was selected by the mayor of Hatch to serve as the town's official photographer, and producers of the Disney movie Wild Hogs even requested permission to use his photos of the annual Hatch Chile Festival.

Tom was deeply passionate about all things scientific and constantly sought to improve ordinary items. Before they were commercially available, he designed and built his own photovoltaic charging system for his hybrid car, which also provided backup power for his home. Even in retirement from PSL, he continued to contribute to the community, taking on the unpaid position of computer customer support for the Hatch Valley and consulting at Hatch Valley High School on scientific technical matters, such as science fair proposals

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, Dorothy "Anne" and son Brian  McConnell. Tom was survived by four of his sons:  Steve McConnell (Debi) of San Antonio, TX, Marty McConnell (Beth) of Austin, TX, Daughter-in-law  Heidi McConnell of Las Cruces, Rich McConnell (Pat) of Radium Springs, and Keith McConnell (Ernestine) of Nassau, Bahamas. Other survivors include eight grandchildren:  Grace, Anjela, Amber, Erynn, Miranda, Nicole, Rita, and Alexandra.   Six great-grandchildren:  River, Haven, Finn, Ayla and Alex.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom's name to the charity of their choice.

A private Memorial Service for Tom will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 in Las Cruces, NM.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com