8-21-2025 5:21am

Remembering the Life of Area Rancher Charles Richard Walker.

Chris Edwards Editor

Southern New Mexico's ranching community and those who have an appreciation for the history of the region are mouring the death of Charles Richard Walker.

Walker ar 102, passed away on August 12, 2025 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He was born on August 21, 1922 in Cloudcroft, New Mexico to Charlie Walker and Bessie Wooten Walker.

Walkers family was the subject of an acclaimed book that told "How the west was lived. The story of a centenarian from the "old west" to present day. Ride along with multiple generations of the Walkers as they journey by covered wagons to the "Oregon Territory" in search of greener pastures for their cattle and families. Ultimately, homesteading in the 16 Springs Canyon of the Sacramento's, the southern most tip of the Rocky Mountains near Cloudcroft New Mexico. The book shares in their trials and tribulations, joys and most of all their faith.

Told through Charles's who recentlz passed away eyes...they way things were in the "Old West" and the simplicity of life in days gone by. Charles has lived his entire life in the beautiful canyon. The Walkers have 137 years of history on this magnificent mountain in the Lincoln National Forest.

He was a rancher known for having one of New Mexico's oldest brands when he passed away at 102 in Alamogordo. Walker was deeply involved in cattle and grazing organizations, holding leadership positions in groups like the NM Cattle Growers' Association. He received accolades such as Land Conservationist of the Year and Outstanding Rancher. His family had roots in the area dating back to 1887.

In his professional life he was a Christadelphian minister, a rancher with one of the oldest brands in NM, and long-time member and often president of the following: NM Cattle Grower’s Association, Lincoln Forest Grazing Advisory Board, Otero County Cattleman’s Association, Otero County Grazing Advisory Board, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee, Cloudcroft School Board, Otero County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and Lincoln Forest Allotment Owners Association. He also donated land and helped with the 16 Springs Fire Department.

He was honored as Land Conservationist of the Year, Outstanding Rancher, and Old Timer of the Year.

The Walker name and family is respected around the state as a firebrand that advocated for ranchers rights and was one of the early founding families to have an influence upon the region. Mr. Walkers legacy will live on long after he has passed. His official obituary is found via the link below...

https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/post/332195/me…