Dale Propps

Lester Dale Propps, 76 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Heart Hospital of Lubbock, Texas following an illness. He was born November 26, 1948 in Fort Sumner to the home of Lester and the former Frances Wilson Propps. He attended school and was raised in Fort Sumner, graduating from Fort Sumner High School in 1967. He married Cindy Sena in Fort Sumner, NM. Dale worked for Mitchell Windmill, ENM Gas Company, and the State Highway Department. He was a bus driver for Fort Sumner Schools. Dale was proud to be a first responder, working for EMS for 12 years, was a volunteer firefighter for over 40 years and was the Fort Sumner Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief for over 20 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Fort Sumner and St Anthony's Catholic Church. Dale was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed golf, camping, hunting and fishing. Dale was a wood worker and built cabinets, and was also a "shade tree" mechanic. Dale enjoyed playing bingo, and watching NASCAR and the Minnesota Vikings. Dale was a beloved father and grandfather. His greatest joy came from supporting his son Paul, and all of his accomplishments. He was the world's best Pa to his grandsons Xavier and Jaxson, and loved to spoil them both.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Frances Propps; three sisters, Nola Gammill, Patsy Gomez, and Leona Wood; one brother Gary Paul Propps, two infant brothers, Royce and Donald Ray Propps, one brother-in-law Calvin Gammill, and the mother of his son Cindy Sena. 

Dale is survived by his son Paul Propps and his wife Hanna of Lubbock, TX, his two grandsons Xavier and Jaxson Propps, one brother V.E. Propps and his wife Lori of Fort Sumner, and one special niece Heather Davenport and her husband Scott of Fort Sumner. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Viewing will be Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 1 pm to 6pm at Chavez Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Jim Lyssy officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Sumner Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Paul Propps, Micah Lyssy, Vincent Gonzales, Gordon Morris, Scott Morris, and Joe Sena . Honorary Pallbearers will be Xavier Paul Propps, Jaxson Dale Propps, Scott Davenport, and the Members of the Fort Sumner Fire Department. 

Please keep his family in prayer.

Funeral arrangements are with Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.