David Eugene Abercrombie

David E. Abercrombie, of Anton Chico, New Mexico, passed away on June 13, 2023. He was 94 years old.

Born the son of a local merchant, David grew up dreaming of becoming a rancher. As a young man, he started out on a leased, hardscrabble piece of land with 100 mother cows. He liked to say the cattle had to learn to crack the rocks and eat the kernels to survive. Over time he grew his operation to 60,000 acres and over 2,000 head of stocker and feeder cattle. On the ranch, with his wife, Dickie, he raised his kids, David Michael, Vicki, Kevin, and Brian.

Later in life, while still maintaining the ranch, he became a successful cattle trader, importing calves from Mexico and selling them to U.S. operations. 

He was a true cattleman, and a fine cowboy as well.

He never wavered, and always did what he had to do to take care of those around him. He had a fondness for quarter horses, told a great story, loved bad jokes and corny country and western songs, and believed in hard work.

He has left a great chasm in our lives. He will be missed.