Rogene Alford

Rogene Alford, 91, a long time Corona, NM rancher passed away on October 21, 2025 at the Bee Hive Home in Portales, NM, surrounded by his family. Rogene was born June 16, 1934 in Nara Visa, NM to the home of Allen and Jessie (Kelly) Alford. Rogene grew up in Nara Visa, and quickly became the man of the house after his father passed away when Rogene was just 12 years old. Rogene helped his mother, and worked on ranches in the area during the summer. He attended Nara Visa schools, graduating with the class of 1952. After high school Rogene continued to cowboy at ranches in the area working for Cotton Gamble, and at the Taylor Ranch in Middlewater, TX.

Rogene married the love of his life, Sandra Ward on November 5, 1955 in Tucumcari, NM. Together they spent their early years in Tucumcari, where Rogene worked for the Crescent Creamery. They moved to Farmington where Rogene drove a cement truck for Halliburton. In October of 1957, they moved to Corona to work at the El Paso National Gas Company. Rogene would work for the El Paso National Gas Company for 35 years. Together Rogene and Sandra would raise their four children in Corona, and become pillars of the community.

Rogene enjoyed roping, breaking horses, and trading both horses and cattle. Rogene found the most joy in the time spent with his family and being Papa, Pawpaw, and Pa to his grandkids and great grandkids.

Rogene is preceded in death by his parents Allen and Jessie Alford, one son Allen Ward Alford in 2024, two brothers Clarence "Babe" Alford, Allen Jr Alford, and one sister Betty Jim Miller. 

Rogene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, he will be missed by his wife of 69 years, Sandra Alford of the family home in Corona, three daughters Loretta Joan (Mike) Tracey of Corona, Tawnya (David) Craig of Elida, Roe Anne (Travis) Lightfoot of Corona, his grandchildren Nathan (Laura) Tracey of Las Cruces, Russell (Allison) Craig of Clovis, Ryan (Tana) Craig of Portales, Randal (Jayme) Craig of Elida, Jaci (Travis) Hickey of Sayre, Oklahoma, Clint (Katelyn) Alford of Hammon, Oklahoma, and Kassidy and Lyndi Lightfoot both of Corona, 12 grandchildren, with 2 grandchildren on the way, and one great grandchild. Also surviving is one brother Tommy (Lousie) Alford of Clovis, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. 

Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 10 am at the Corona High School Auditorium with David Brunson and Andy Miller officiating. Interment to follow at the Corona Cemetery with Nathan Tracey, Russell Craig, Ryan Craig, Randal Craig, Clint Alford, and Walter Garfield serving as pallbearers. 

Please keep the Alford family in your prayers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.