Wendel Scarbrough

Wendel Scarbrough
Wendel Aurel Scarbrough, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, passed away July 11, 2016, at home surrounded by family. He was the third son of New Mexico homesteaders, Joseph and Roxie Scarbrough, and was born in Pasadena, California, on September 29,1926. Wendel had two older brothers, Eugene and Paul Scarbrough.

Wendel was a delightful child and remembered his childhood in Las Vegas, NM, fondly. He  carried his joyful disposition into adulthood. He was generous, big-hearted and welcoming to all who came into his life. As a man of principle and integrity, he was willing to take a stand for what was right. Wendel had a deep faith in God, and his witness was his life.  

Wendel served his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II in the United States Navy. After his discharge in 1946, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Administration.

Wendel began a long, rich and varied sixty-year teaching career in Las Cruces, NM, in January 1949. He found his passion in teaching, where he could continue to learn and share his knowledge with others. His willingness to take on new challenges and adapt to the changing needs of the students and subjects endeared him to his students. While Wendel won multiple accolades and awards as a teacher over the years, his greatest joy, by far, was the relationships he had with the students whose lives he touched.

Wendel was a family man throughout his life. His parents and brothers meant the world to him and he showed his love with acts of kindness and care throughout their lives. As a husband and partner, he showed his love with word and deed. His six children never doubted his love for them. His warmth, sense of humor, and ever-present listening ear never wavered. Love and understanding were the among the greatest gifts that he shared with each member of his family, both immediate and extended. All who knew him were touched by his goodness.
                    
Wendel was preceded in death by his mother, Roxie, his father, Joe, his brothers, Gene and Paul, and his first wife, Mary Helen Pesterfield Scarbrough. Wendel is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Scarbrough, his children, Judy Scarbrough (Steve Casalnuovo). Jennifer Scarbrough, Joe Scarbrough, Julie Ruiz, Tricia Barron and John Scarbrough (Alyssa) and eight grandchildren, Joe, Dom, Lucas, Jessica, Kennedy, Brett, Jared and Erik.

We invite you to come help us honor and celebrate a life well-lived. A memorial service will be held for Wendel Scarbrough on Saturday, July 23, at 10:30 at Daniels Funeral Home, located at 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, with a gathering afterward.

Donations may be made in memory of Wendel Scarbrough to simply2love.org, seedsoflifeintl.com/giving or a charity of your choice. Flowers are welcome, as Wendel loved them so.

Please go online to share memories or stories of Wendel at http://www.danielsfuneral.com/obituaries/.