Michael Lawrence Winchester

Michael Winchester died at home surrounded by family on December 6, 2018 from complications of severe COPD and other health issues. Michael is survived by his wife, Donna, his sons: Brandon, wife Aimee, and grandson Wesley, all of Houston, Texas; Cameron, fianc Callie Bundrant, of Hemet, California; and Sky (Justin) of Boston, Massachusetts. He loved his family deeply and was intensely proud of his three sons and the men they had become. We mourn his passing and cherish all the memories of laughter, love and times spent together. Michael was a third generation native New Mexican born in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Larry and Dorothy Roark Davis. He was raised on the ranch that had been homesteaded by his great grandparents. He attended school in Carlsbad, graduating from Carlsbad High School in 1961. After his graduation from high school, he attended New Mexico State University, majoring in mechanical engineering. Following his graduation, he went to work for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in California for one year and then worked for NASA in Houston for four years. He was a cryogenics specialist and worked on both the Mercury and Apollo projects. The Apollo 13 flight was his final project. During the time he worked for NASA, he attended both the University of Houston and Rice University and received advanced degrees in engineering. In 1970, he left NASA to attend law school at the University of Arizona and graduated with honors. Michael moved to Las Cruces and went to work with the Martin, Martin and Lutz firm. Later he went into practice with Don Dutton, John Underwood, Ruth Thomas, and other associates but spent the majority of his years as a solo practitioner. He retired from his law practice in September, 2016 after 43 years of practice. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations in Michael's name to: Spay/Neuter Program; 2405 W. Picacho, LC, NM: ACTion Program for Animals; 800 W. Picacho, LC, NM; or Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary; 840-D El Paseo, LC, NM. Our family invites you to join us in sharing your memories at the Celebration of Michael's Life on January 12, 2019 at 1:00pm at the Farm and Ranch Museum.