Arthur "Art" Jerry Dunlap

Arthur Jerry Dunlap (Art), 69, lifelong rancher of Encino, NM passed away peacefully at his home Friday, June 9th, 2023. Art was born in Albuquerque on January 15, 1954 to Noble and Virginia Dunlap. He graduated from Valley High School in 1972. He went on to New Mexico State University where he competed on the rodeo team and studied Agriculture. On November 10, 1979, he married Della Reid. In 1984, they moved to the family ranch in Encino that was homesteaded in 1934 by his father Noble. From a young age, Art loved horses. Art traveled throughout the United States with his parents and sister competing and winning in top tier Quarter Horse competitions. Art was a superb horseman, having won the All-Around World Championship riding Mr. Snuffy Joe, Bar-O-Jewel, and Bright Blue Bar from the legendary Three-Bar bloodline. His awards are numerous and include many saddles, buckles, and trophies. Art raised his family on the Dunlap family ranch and eventually grew it into Lazy VL Cattle Company, a legacy business. Art loved and respected the land and adhered to proper ranch management to ensure the land would sustain the growing cattle company for years to come. He took pride in raising top quality angus cattle and improving the ranches genetics over the years. Art was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to talk; it didn’t matter about what, but mainly roping or rodeo. He loved to look at pictures or watch videos of his grandkids as they started growing up and playing sports. Art was preceded in death by his parents, Noble and Virginia, and several uncles, aunts, and cousins. Art is survived by his wife Della of 43 years, son Greg (Laura) of Rio Rancho, NM, son Brett (Amber) of Bowie, TX, daughter Haley (Terral) of Encino, NM, 9 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, 3 great-granddaughters, and 1 great-grandson, sister Sue of Dallas, TX, niece Darla of Dallas, TX, and numerous friends. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering Friday June 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the Corona Auditorium located at 531 Franklin St., Corona, NM. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions in Art’s name to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.