Ronald R. Dornblaser

October 29, 1933 -August 27, 2026

Ronald R. Dornblaser, affectionately known throughout his life as "Rusty" and later as "Mr. D," began his earthly journey on October 29, 1933, in Covington, Indiana. He was born to Sarah L. Dornblaser and Jack Dornblaser, a beautiful strawberry-blonde baby boy with bright blue eyes. His mother lovingly gave him the nickname "Rusty" because of his red hair, a name that stayed with him throughout his childhood. Ron also shared his early years with his half-sisters, Betty and JoAnn Dornblaser, from his father's previous marriage.

Growing up in Covington, Ron was known for his intelligence, quick wit, and incredible storytelling. He loved recounting adventures with his sisters, from sneaking watermelons from a local farmer's field to making dandelion corsages for homecoming dates. No matter where life took him, Ron always had a story to tell and a way of making people laugh.

A gifted student, Ron skipped a grade in elementary school and graduated from Covington High School in 1950 at just 17 years old. His mother was immensely proud of his accomplishments and made sure his achievement was recorded in the family history. After graduation, Ron moved to Chicago, Illinois, where relatives on his mother's side welcomed him into their home. They owned a funeral home and helped him begin a career in mortuary science. By day he attended mortuary school, and by night he worked in a steel mill.

Through hard work and determination, he earned his mortician's license.

Soon another adventure awaited him. Ron was drafted into the United States Army, where his mortuary training became a valuable skill. Serving as both a mortician and field medic, he witnessed firsthand the hardships of military life. During his service overseas, an explosion near his position exposed him to embalming chemicals and left him in a coma for nearly a month. When he awoke in a military hospital back in the United States, he often shared the powerful experience that would shape his faith for the rest of his life. Ron believed he had met Jesus during that time and remembered hearing the words, "Son, it is not your time." From that moment forward, he never hesitated to share his testimony and his faith.

After completing his military service, Ron used the GI Bill to attend Indiana University. Once again, his dedication and intelligence shined. He earned his bachelor's degree in education in only three years before continuing on to graduate school, where he received a Master's Degree in Education from Indiana University. Education would become not just his profession, but one of his life's greatest passions.

Ron accepted a teaching position at a junior college in Florida, where he taught business education courses. However, health challenges caused by the humid climate led his doctor

to recommend moving somewhere drier. Never one to shy away from a new adventure, Ron listened. Two cousins stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, spoke highly of the climate in southeastern New Mexico, and Ron began applying for teaching positions in the area.

Before long, he received a call from two neighboring school districts: Hagerman and Dexter, New Mexico. Both schools needed a part-time DECA and business education teacher and agreed to share his services. Ron packed up his red Chevrolet pickup and headed west to a place he had never seen before. What began as a career move quickly became a lifelong home.

He often said that the people of Hagerman and Dexter welcomed him as family from the very beginning. He loved teaching and formed lasting relationships with students throughout the Pecos Valley. It was there that students first gave him the nickname "Mr. D,11 a name that would follow him for decades. While teaching, he continued serving in the National Guard, another commitment he deeply valued.

As fate would have it, some of his students decided to play matchmaker and introduced him to Paula Rhodes, a spirited redhead who immediately caught his eye. Ron often joked that he had always had a weakness for redheads, just like his beloved mother, Sarah. Their friendship grew into love, and they were married on New Year's Eve in 1978. In 1981, they welcomed their daughter, Amy Kristine, into the world.

When DECA programs in the valley were eventually reduced due to declining enrollment, Ron embraced yet another chapter in his life. He accepted a position at Alamogordo High School, where he taught DECA and business education for the next 35 years. He loved the view of the Sacramento Mountains, enjoyed meals at the Pizza Mill, and proudly became a Tiger. He cherished his students, visited them at their job placements·, attended school activities, and built lifelong friendships with fellow educators. Teaching was never just a job for Ron; it was his calling.

In 2004, at the age of 71, Mr. D retired from the profession he loved. Yet retirement never diminished his passion for people, storytelling, faith, or family.

More than any title he ever held, Ron treasured being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved deeply, gave generously, and spent his life trying to make others happy. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy.

Throughout 92 incredible years, Ron lived a life defined by perseverance, service, faith, education, and adventure. He never stopped learning, teaching, traveling, believing, or loving. Whether he was sharing a classroom lesson, telling a favorite story, offering encouragement, or talking about his faith, Ron left an impression on everyone he met.

Today, while we grieve his absence, we celebrate a life well lived. We can only imagine that his next great adventure has already begun.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Ron leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, education, and love that will continue through the countless students he taught, the friends he cherished, and the family who adored him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.