Gary Kimbel Anderson

Gary Kimbel Anderson, 71, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026 after a long, courageous battle with COPD. He will forever be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, entrepreneurial vision, commitment to his community, and most of all, his love for his family and friends.

Gary was born on March 9, 1955 to Norma Jean Schupp and Charles Monroe Anderson in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His childhood was spent in Houston, Texas before settling in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where he graduated from high school and met the love of his life, Robin Knisley. Robin and Gary were married in 1975 and welcomed daughter, Jennifer Lynne, in 1978 and son, Brandon Gary, in 1981. They shared 50 wonderful years together, building a life centered on family, hard work and shared dreams.

Gary partnered with his father to open a second location of the family business, Gibson’s, in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the young age of 22. He poured his energy into growing the business while also becoming deeply involved in the Las Cruces community. He was an active member of the Las Cruces Conquistadors, helped facilitate the Whole Enchilada Fiesta, and was a dedicated lifelong member of Rotary, rarely missing a weekly meeting no matter where life took him.

Following his father’s illness in 1987, Gary made the difficult decision to close the family stores. Embracing change with his trademark optimism, he often said, “if you can’t beat them, join them,” and went to work for Walmart. Over the next decade, Gary’s career provided opportunities for his family in Amarillo, Texas and Belen and Santa Fe, New Mexico, before eventually returning to Alamogordo.

The late 1990’s brought Gary back into the world of entrepreneurship when he returned to the shopping center his father built and opened Lots A Shops. With vision and determination, he transformed the space into a hub for small businesses, adding ventures of his own including a snack bar, dollar store and Chili West, alongside Robin. Together with their children, the family worked side-by-side to grow the business. Gary later expanded his entrepreneurial pursuits with the opening of Discount Pools and Spas. The tremendous success of Discount led to a second location in Lac Cruces, along with the current store and shopping center he developed with his son, Brandon.

Gary had a deep love for adventure and the outdoors. He found joy riding motorcycles through the mountains, fishing, and exploring museums. He had a curious mind, a generous heart, and an ability to connect with anyone he met - truly never meeting a stranger. He was constantly looking for new ways to service his community and support others in their pursuits. He remained actively involved in Alamogordo through Rotary Club, served on the board of White Sands Community Health, and faithfully attended the Worship Center.

Above all, Gary treasured his role as a grandfather. His grandchildren - Andrew, Jonathan, Addison, Jason and Emily, were his pride and joy.

Gary is survived by his wife, Robin Anderson; their two children and five grandchildren: daughter, Jenifer Gravley and her husband, Alex and their children Andrew and Addison Gravley; son, Brandon Anderson and his wife Wendy and their children, Jonathan, Jason and Emily Anderson; and sisters Debbie Anderson, Barbara Anderson and Becky Weber.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gary Anderson Rotary Scholarship Fund RYLA, which will provide children of the Alamogordo community the chance to experience the same leadership development opportunities that meant so much to Gary, and helped his own children thrive. If you are interested, please mail donations to: 25 Marble Canyon Drive, Alamogordo, NM 88310.