Robert Ogas

Robert “Bob” Ogas

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bob Ogas on May 23, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was a long time educator, coach, principal, community leader and above all a loving family man. Bob dedicated his life to empowering students, fostering growth and giving back to the community, he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication and a deep love for those he cherished most.

Bob was raised in Silver City, New Mexico by his mother Vera, and father C.B., alongside his siblings Patsy, Alfred, Alice and Mike. A strong belief in the value of education and sports was instilled in him from an early age. Bob’s own educational journey began at St. Mary’s Academy, Stout Junior High and Western High School where he played baseball, basketball and football graduating in 1959. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Western New Mexico University in 1963, followed by a Master’s in Education and Administrative Certification from New Mexico State University in 1968 and 1983, respectively

Bob’s career as an educator began in 1963 when he first taught and coached in Hondo Valley, New Mexico. He left here after one year and began his very successful career in Las Cruces. He spent two years as the Physical Education teacher at Bradly and Lucero Elementary Schools. However, it was his work at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces that defined his lifelong commitment to making a difference. He transferred to Mayfield in 1966. At Mayfield, he taught Business Education Classes and coached baseball, track and cross-country. He was Assistant Principal and the Athletic Director from 1985-1991; in 1991, he was appointed Principal and held that position until 2004 when he retired.

In 1971, Bob started the baseball program at Mayfield; it is here where he instilled in his players the value of persistence, hard work, and mutual respect – lessons that extended far beyond the ball field. He taught his players that if someone cares and is willing to give others a chance in life there are lessons to be learned. If you strive to be consistent, persistent and overcome obstacles, you will eventually reach your goal. He was from the old school of coaches and his philosophy, which he believed in were good life lessons for his players. He had a dress code for all students, haircuts, shirts tucked in clean clothes have pride in yourself, do your homework, respect your teachers and elders. He believed that having a little pride in oneself would help you grow up with a better chance at life.

As a coach, Bob was a mentor who cared deeply for his athletes. His love for the game of baseball was matched only by his devotion to his students and the field he built from humble beginnings became a symbol of his dedication. The field, which he lovingly cultivated, was later named in his honor the Bob Ogas Baseball Field a gesture that filled him with pride.

He served as Principal of Mayfield High School from 1991-2004 where he created a culture of excellence. Bob’s leadership extended far beyond athletics. In his Mayfield Community, he created opportunities for his students, he taught the value of hard work, integrity and trust. With his unique leadership style and guidance, he instilled a competitive spirit that influenced kids, athletes, and staff. Through this leadership style the Mayfield Family was born. His belief that every student could succeed if given the opportunity to grow was central to his approach. His motto was simple “No goal is too big if you believe in yourself and have someone to support you.”

Over his distinguished career, Bob received numerous accolades for his contribution to education and sports including

New Mexico High School Baseball Coach of the Year (three times)

New Mexico Coaches Distinguished Service Award

New Mexico Music Educators Association Administrator of the Year

New Mexico Foreign Language Educators Administrator of the Year

NMSU Education Distinguished Alumni Award

New Mexico Activities Association Distinguished Services Award

Inducted into the New Mexico High School Baseball Association Hall of Fame

New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor and Pride

Western New Mexico University Distinguished Alumni Award

Western New Mexico University Distinguished Alumni Award for the Ogas Family

Inducted in to the New Mexico State University Education Hall of Fame

In 2012 the North –South All Star Baseball Game that he started 36 years before was officially named the Bob Ogas North vs South All-Star Baseball Classic

Bob was deeply involved in his community and gave countless hours and support to organizations like the Las Cruces Optimist Club, Little League Baseball, Field of Dreams Task Force, Mayor’s Sports Facilities Evaluation Task Force, Mesilla Valley Alumni Association, NMSU Alumni Association Board, North Central Accreditation Committee, and St. Albert’s Catholic Church. He was also a proud member of the Las Cruces Rodrunners Car Club, where his love of cars and camaraderie brought him joy.

His influence as an educator and coach extended far beyond his own students. His former player’s, colleagues and community members will always remember his ability to inspire, challenge and uplift those around him. Bob’s legacy is one of unwavering belief in the potential of young people and he leaves behind a profound impact on the Mayfield High School community and the Las Cruces area. Over 40 years of education, he shaped the lives of thousands of students; guiding them toward success and helping them realize their dream. Many have gone on to graduate from college, build careers and return to contribute to their own communities, carrying forward the values Bob instilled in them. Bob’s devotion to his family, his students and his community will never be forgotten. His commitment to excellence, belief in the power of education and his capacity for love and mentorship have left a permanent mark on all who knew him.

Rest in peace Bob your family, friends, students, athletes and the entire community will forever carry your memory in their hearts. The love you gave will continue to guide and inspire all who were fortunate enough to know you. You will always be remembered as a man who gave his all and made the world a better place for everyone you touched.

Bob’s life will forever be celebrated by his loving wife of 62 years Olivia, daughters and son in law Loreena Ogas and Eileen & Aaron Ocampo. Two grandchildren who were the joy of his world and the light of his life Lauren and Jonah Ocampo. Brothers Alfred (Anne) Ogas and Mike (Teresa) Ogas, Sister Patsy Rotell. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends he called family. He was preceded in death by his parents C.B. and Vera Ogas and his sister Alice Rivera.

The family would like to thank the staff from Always Best Care especially all the caregivers who have shown him love, care and compassion these last few months. We will be forever grateful.

A Rosary is scheduled for 10:00 am on June 2, 2025 at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary followed by Mass at 10:30 with burial at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Mayfield Baseball Boosters (Treasurer suzannochoa@gmail.com) or the Las Cruces Optimist Club (P.O. Box 16406 Las Cruces, NM 88004) in Bob’s memory.