Gary W. McCandless

Gary W. McCandless, 57, of N. 6th Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Lakeview Christian Home. Visitation will be 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2013, 10:00 AM, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ramon V. Florez officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Gary W. McCandless was born on September 14, 1955, in Alamogordo, NM to Wayne and Ann (Lovell) McCandless. He graduated from Alamogordo High School. Gary worked in law enforcement over 25 years, working in Lea and Eddy Counties. He retired in 1999 as chief detective for Eddy County Sheriff's Department. Gary enjoyed hunting, riding his Harley and flying. He was a caring person and tried to always rehabilitate those he could help. Gary was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife, Laura McCandless of Carlsbad, NM; sons: Wayne McCandless and fiance, Krissa Briles, Matthew Wayne McCandless; step-daughters: Liza Monique Kehrman and husband, Joey, Candice Arredondo, Jessica Arredondo; grandchildren: Sade Hall, Jacqueline Flores, Kaleb McCandless, Lyric Arredondo; brother, Mark McCandless and wife, Kathy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Leon Sandate, Wayne McCandless, Justin Kiser, Alan Ayala, Angelo Sandate and Julian Sandate. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Jacquez and Blas Benavidez. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.