Tribute: Harold William Van Winkle – A Lifetime of Harmony, Leadership, and Legacy in New Mexico Music and Education

It is with profound respect and deep sadness that Alamogordo and the broader New Mexico music education community mourn the passing of Harold William Van Winkle, who left this world on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the age of 90. A native son of Alamogordo whose roots ran deep into the ranching heritage of the Sacramento Mountains, Harold dedicated more than four decades to shaping young musicians, elevating band programs across the state, and leaving an indelible mark on music education at every level—from junior high to university. His influence extended far beyond the podium: thousands of students credit him not only with musical excellence but with life lessons in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that guided them long after their last note.

The Van Winkle family’s contributions to education and music in New Mexico form a multi-generational symphony of service. From the ranchlands near Weed to the concert halls of Albuquerque and the classrooms of Alamogordo, the family embodied a commitment to nurturing talent, building community, and passing on a love of the arts that continues today.

Roots in the Sacramento Mountains and a Passion Ignited in Alamogordo

Harold was born on October 27, 1935, in Alamogordo to William “Tony” Van Winkle and Anna May (Mitchell) Van Winkle. The Van Winkles were longtime ranchers in the Sacramento Mountains near Weed; Harold’s grandparents, Charlie and Demp Van Winkle (Demp was the sister of Charlie Trammel), worked the land that helped define early Otero County life. That pioneer spirit of hard work and resilience carried into Harold’s character.

As a talented Alamogordo High School “Tiger” student and athlete in the early 1950s, Harold was drawn irresistibly to music. His love of the French horn and the guidance of influential band director William Rhodes opened a world of possibility. He graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1953 and headed to Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Music Education. It was at ENMU that he met the love of his life, Darlene Sprawls, a gifted musician in her own right. They married in June 1956 and shared 67 beautiful years together until Darlene’s passing in June 2024.

A Storied Career in Music Education

Harold’s teaching journey began in 1958 as band director at Gaddis Junior High in Clovis.

In 1960 he took the helm of the high school band in Tucumcari, and by 1962 he had returned home to become Alamogordo High School’s band director. Under his leadership in the 60s thru mid 70s AHS bands consistently earned first-division ratings and statewide recognition, establishing Harold as a leader in New Mexico music education.

In 1975, the University of New Mexico called him to Albuquerque as Director of Bands.

There, Harold directed the UNM marching band, conducted the UNM Wind Symphony, and served as chairman of the music department until his retirement in 1992. One of his most enduring legacies at UNM was founding the Zia Marching Fiesta in 1978—a premier marching band competition that continues to showcase the best high school bands in the region and still presents the Harold Van Winkle Award in his honor. He also conducted the Albuquerque Concert Band for several years in retirement.

Harold’s professional stature was recognized nationally and statewide. He served as past president and was named Music Educator of the Year by the New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA). He held memberships in the College Band Directors National Association and the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. He was inducted into both the New Mexico Music Educators Hall of Fame and the Eastern New Mexico University Band Directors Hall of Fame. Former students across New Mexico and beyond often speak of the “life skills far beyond music” he instilled—leadership, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for excellence.

The Van Winkle Family Legacy: Music, Teaching, and Community Impact

Harold’s passion for music education was a family affair. His beloved wife Darlene Kay (Sprawls) Van Winkle was herself an award-winning music educator. A superb musician who excelled in voice, clarinet, piano, and twirling during her school years in Farwell, Texas, Darlene taught elementary music at Holloman Air Force Base and Sierra Elementary in Alamogordo (1966–1975) before becoming a traveling music instructor in Albuquerque public schools. She received the prestigious John Batchellar Award for Excellence as New Mexico’s outstanding elementary music teacher. Darlene and Harold’s shared commitment created a powerful partnership that touched countless young lives.

Their son, Dr. Ken Van Winkle, continued the family tradition with distinction. Ken served as director of bands and chairman of the music department at New Mexico State University before stepping into higher-education leadership as president of NMSU Alamogordo (appointed in 2015 after serving as interim president and associate dean). Ken and his wife Eva have carried forward the Van Winkle emphasis on education and community service in the very town where Harold’s journey began.

Daughter Laura Duva (and husband Rod) have also remained closely tied to the family’s values. The Van Winkle influence ripples outward through granddaughter Amber (and husband Jacob) and great-granddaughter Calla—extending Harold’s legacy into new generations.

Even in retirement, Harold found new ways to inspire. After a watercolor class at church, he studied under artist James Whitlow and pursued a remarkable “second career” as a painter. Over 25 years he created hundreds of award-winning watercolors, earning signature membership in the New Mexico Watercolor Society and the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies. His paintings grace the homes and offices of family, former music students, and colleagues—visual reminders of a life lived with creativity and grace.

Community Tributes: Memories from Rene and Robert Sepulveda

Rene L. Sepulveda, publisher of AlamogordoTownNews.org, a coach, mentor, civic advocate, and former violinist in the Alamogordo school orchestra and strings program, shared a heartfelt tribute on behalf of himself and his parents, legendary Alamogordo coach Robert “Bob” Louis Sepulveda. The Sepulveda family has deep roots in Alamogordo education and athletics. Robert and Marilyn worked closely with Harold Van Winkle during his tenure as Alamogordo High School band director in the 1960s and early 1970s, forging strong professional and personal ties through their shared dedication to student development, school spirit, and community excellence.

A Cherished Memory from Coach Robert “Bob” Sepulveda (shared by his son Rene):

“Harold Van Winkle was more than a band director—he was the heartbeat of school spirit in Alamogordo. I coached at AHS during the years when Harold led the Tiger bands in the 1960s and early ’70s, and I’ll never forget how his marching band and pep band turned Friday night football games into unforgettable experiences. Those first-division bands didn’t just play—they performed with precision and passion that lifted the entire community. Harold taught our athletes and musicians alike the value of teamwork under pressure; his French horn section could cut through the roar of the crowd like nothing else. He was a true professional who always had time for a young coach like me, offering encouragement and reminding us that education—whether on the field or in the band hall—builds character that lasts a lifetime. Harold’s influence helped shape generations of Tigers, and the Sepulveda family is forever grateful for the harmony he brought to our town.”

A Personal Comment from Rene Sepulveda:

“On behalf of my dad, Coach Bob Sepulveda, and, and our entire family, we send our deepest condolences to the Van Winkle family. Growing up in Alamogordo, I heard countless stories from my parents about the way Harold’s bands inspired pride in our schools and community. Dad and Mom worked alongside Harold and Darlene, collaborating on events that blended athletics, music, and academics to create a richer experience for every student. His legacy of first-division excellence and life lessons beyond the music stand will live on in every student he touched, including those who went on to serve in education and public life here in Otero County. Dad and I both feel honored to have known a man of such integrity. Rest in peace, Mr. Van Winkle—you conducted a beautiful life.”

A Celebration of Two Extraordinary Lives

Harold was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Anna May, and his brother Kenneth. He is survived by son Ken and wife Eva; daughter Laura Duva and husband Rod; granddaughter Amber and husband Jacob; great-granddaughter Calla; and his beloved four-legged companion Buddy, who brought him endless joy in his later years.

A joint service celebrating the lives of Harold and Darlene Van Winkle will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Alamogordo Funeral Home, 2301 First Street, Alamogordo, New Mexico. A reception will follow at 2554 Adobe Ranch Court in Alamogordo.

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