Lynell Widner

Lynell Glen Widner was born in Clovis, New Mexico, on January 10th, 1951. He passed peacefully on June 15th, 2024, in Grants, New Mexico. Lynell was the eighth of eleven children born to Harley and Edith Widner of Melrose, New Mexico. He grew up on the family farm, excelled in school, and enjoyed sports, FFA, and running track. Lynell graduated from high school in 1969 and enrolled at New Mexico State University, where he graduated with a degree in agricultural education.

While attending college, Lynell worked as a telephone operator with Mountain Bell. In 1971, he was set up on a blind date with Linda Jewkes, and he knew immediately that Linda was the love of his life. On December 31, 1971, Lynell and Linda began their lifetime of togetherness, partnership, and best-friend relationship that they cherished throughout their lives.

Lynell and Linda made their home in Estancia, New Mexico, where they raised two children, Lane and Lee. They both worked for Mountain Bell and US West Communications. Lynell advanced in corporate communications to become a fiber optic engineer, playing a key role in bringing the Internet infrastructure to New Mexico. Lynell served three terms on the Estancia Municipal Schools Board of Education, passionately supporting the construction of schools and giving back to his community. He also had a pig farm in Estancia, Widner Brothers Show Swine, which supported the FFA & 4H youth show program by providing quality show livestock for kids across New Mexico. Lynell served on the Torrance County Fair Board and was instrumental in establishing the New Mexico Bred Pig Show at the New Mexico State Fair.

In 2000, Lynell retired from US West Communications. Lynell continued to work in telecommunications for a time for Plateau Cellular and later taught health at Estancia High School. In 2009, Lynell took a position with Sacred Wind Communications, commuting to Gallup and loving his work with the company. He traveled extensively around the Navajo Nation and rural New Mexico, working to expand fiber connectivity to New Mexico's most remote areas. Lynell retired from Sacred Wind in 2016 and continued to serve on the company's Board of Directors until its sale in 2022. He also served on multiple boards and committees within the State of New Mexico.

Lynell is survived by his sons: Lane and his spouse, Patrick Jaramillo, of Grants, New Mexico; and Lee and his spouse, Tamma, of Estancia, New Mexico. He was a proud and devoted grandfather who enjoyed watching his grandchildren, Landon and Regan, grow and excel in livestock shows.

Lynell is also survived by his two sisters: Sue Widner of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Nyla Walter and her spouse, Rick, of Animas, New Mexico. Additionally, he is survived by his two brothers: Harley Widner and his spouse, Ruthie, of T or C, New Mexico; and Jamie Widner and his spouse, Robin, of Melrose, New Mexico. Lynell is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carolyn Widner of Bovina, Texas, and his brother-in-law, Clyde Yarbrough of Almyra, Arkansas.

Lynell had a big heart and loved his many nieces and nephews, always ready to help them in any way he could. His niece, Missy Coburn, and her spouse, Ronald, along with their children Bailey, Kyle, and Taylor, held a special place in his heart. His lifelong friend, Mike Valdez, and his spouse, Dorothy, were also very dear to him.

Lynell prided himself on being a good "Papa" and was affectionately known as "Uncle Nell" to his nephews and nieces. He played a great "Santa Claus" and loved everyone he met with every part of his heart.

Lynell is preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend Linda who passed in 2005 due to diabetic complications. His son, Les Andrew Widner passed in 1977. His parents, Harley and Edith, and his siblings Neville (Mollie), Lawrence, Gay (Alfred), Sharon, Karen (Wayne), and Debbie.

A viewing will occur on Wednesday, June 19th from 5-7 PM at the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty, New Mexico. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 20th, at 11 AM at the Estancia High School Gymnasium in Estancia, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Widner Family Scholarship at the American Heritage Bank, PO Box 318, Melrose, NM 88124.