William C. Fleming

William Calvin Fleming died Wednesday, January 28, 2015 peacefully in his home. Bill was born in Roswell on August 24, 1936 to Martin Van Buren "Mart" Fleming and Margaret Lair Fleming. After graduating from Carlsbad High School, Bill graduated with a degree in Political Science from then Oklahoma A & M University in Stillwater where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Bill graduated with a L.L.B. from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. During law school, Bill served as a park ranger and guide at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. He cherished the opportunity to interact with people that visited the Caverns from all over the world. After law school, Bill served as Senior Assistant District Attorney under Pat Hannigan. From Hannigan, he learned that the District Attorney's principal responsibility was to protect the rights of defendants and ensure that justice was served. Over the years Bill practiced law in various firms in Roswell, Carlsbad and Hobbs culminating with the last 30 years in his own firm in Carlsbad. Active in politics, Bill served as county chair for the Democratic Party in both Chavez and Eddy counties. Over the years he advised numerous local, state and national elected officials and was a tireless advocate for voter rights and responsibilities. In his personal and professional life, Bill was a champion of the under-dog. As such he dedicated significant time to the Public Defender's office, Legal Aide Services and the Region 6 Housing Authority. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill's family and friends would say that he lived a life filled with laughter, had fun even in the small things and never took himself or others too seriously. His pranks, jokes and Christmas songs with slightly different lyrics will never be forgotten. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack Fleming. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Reno Fleming of Carlsbad, NM; sisters: Jo Ann Harris and husband, Dick of Hahnville, LA, Sue Scott and husband, Jerry of Turlock, CA, Carol Romey of Middleton, IA, Patricia Hackney and husband, Hack of Albuquerque, NM, Mary Fleming-Leslie and husband, James of Sacramento, CA, Jerrie Ruth Lawrence and husband, John of Carlsbad, NM; children Martin V. Fleming and wife, April of Dallas, TX, Elizabeth Powell and husband, Brad of Austin, TX, Justin Hogue and wife, Jennifer of Dallas, TX, Jeramie Hogue and wife, Robn of Tatum, NM; grandchildren: Rachel Fleming, Keith Fleming, Walker Powell, Ella Powell, Myers Powell, Zachary Sadler, Hope Hogue, Austin Hogue, Audrey Hogue, Katelyn Hogue, Conner Lloyd, Cody Krueger and Ranley Krueger and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive visitors at the visitation scheduled for 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, February 1, 2015 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, February 2, 2015 at Grace Episcopal Church, 508 W. Fox Street, with the Rev. Rod Hurst celebrating and Chaplain Elizabeth Powell, B.C.C. as homilist. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Should friends desire to make memorial contributions, they may be made to CARC, Inc., Special Olympics Fund, 902 W. Cherry Lane, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences maybe expressed at dentonwood.com.