Stephen Bridgforth

Stephen Bridgforth passed away on September 1, 2026. Born in Artesia, NM, in 1945, he was the son of James T. Bridgforth and Evelyn Bridgforth Walton.

Stephen attended Lovington High School and received a full scholarship to play football at the University of Tulsa, where he played as quarterback and was recognized for his exceptional athleticism. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa, he then went on to pursue his law degree and graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1972, where he worked as a Law Clerk for Chief United States District Court Judge H. Vearle Payne in Albuquerque, NM.

A native New Mexican, he moved to Las Cruces in 1974, where he served as a Municipal Court Judge. He also served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and he was also a part-time Police Science instructor at New Mexico State University where he taught courses in criminal procedure and evidence. Stephen built a distinguished legal career, serving as a partner at Sage, Reese & Bridgforth, which later became Sage, Beal, Bridgforth & Beal. He spent over 20 years in private practice until being appointed a District Judge in 1999 by Governor Johnson. He retained his seat on the bench until his retirement from the Third Judicial District Court, where he had also served as a member of the District Judge’s Association.

Stephen met his wife, Jenny, In Las Cruces, NM, and they were married in 1992. He was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral and participated in church related activities. Following his retirement, they moved to Quemado, NM, where he became an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed spending time outdoors.

His family includes his wife, Jenny; his sons, Bryan Bridgforth (Shawna) of Midland, TX;

Rudy Alvarez and Michael Alvarez, both of Las Cruces, NM; his daughters, Stephany Newman (Eric) of AZ; and Victoria Alvarez, of Las Cruces, NM. He had eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, James T. Bridgforth & Evelyn Bridgforth Walton; his brothers, James Bridgforth & Leo Bridgforth; and his sisters, Elizabeth Williams & Eva Smithfield.

A prayer vigil will be held on October 17, 2026, at 10:00am, with mass following at 10:30am, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Las Cruces, NM.

Stephen will be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and church community for a life marked by service to others, dedication to the law, and a love of the outdoors.