Obituary
With family at his bedside and listening to his favorite country western songs, WALTER ELVIN HARGIS of Portales, New Mexico passed away after a brief illness on August 4, 2023.
Walter was born in Sitka, Alaska on October 5, 1941 to David Albert Hargis and Celestia Mary Caroline Straub. He married Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Magnusson on April 5, 1962 in San Diego, California. He worked as a surveyor for the California Department of Transportation in San Diego County. In the mid 1970’s he homesteaded near Talkeetna, Alaska and worked as a scout for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, laying out the route on the North Slope. He then was involved with the actual surveying of the pipeline, eventually walking over 400 miles. Upon completion of the pipeline, he worked at various jobs in Anchorage and loved to tell stories about his many adventures.
Upon moving back to San Diego, he lived with his mother, taking care of her until she passed away in 2015. He then settled in Portales where Elizabeth could take care of him.
Walter was a member of the following organizations: SASS (Single Action Shooting Society), Armed Citizen Legal Defense Network, Life member of the NRA (National Rifle Association), the Fishing, Hunting, Trapping Association of the State of Alaska, and the Good Sam Club. Walter was a member of the High Plains Emmaus Community, attended the Kenna Community Church, the Central Christian Church of Portales, and the United Methodist Church of Portales.
Survivors include his partner, Elizabeth and three children; Lawrence Aaron Walter and Taylor Hargis, granddaughter Grace Hargis and great-granddaughter Aiyana Taylor, Amanda Elizabeth Hargis and granddaughter Adriana Marmie, Magnus Edward and Laura Hargis, and grandchildren Aria Swanson and David Hargis, and step-son Gary.
