Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at First Presbyterian Church in Carlsbad for Harry “Tony” Readel, formerly of Artesia.
Readel, 75, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at his home in Carlsbad.
Rev. Steven J. Voris and Pastor Randy Land officiated at the services. A private family interment took place with the Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard providing military honors.
Harry was born Aug. 25, 1940, in Silver City to Caryl J. and Ethel T. (Wingler) Readel and moved to Carlsbad as a young boy. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1961, where he was a manager for Caveman baseball.
Harry served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in England. He graduated from New Mexico State University – where he was a member of Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists – in 1973 with a dual degree in journalism and English.
He worked as city editor and sports editor with the Artesia Daily Press from 1972-75 before moving to El Paso to work for the El Paso Herald Post. He married Roxanne Belshaw in November 1986.
Harry also worked for the Roswell Daily Record and Quay County Sun in Tucumcari before returning to the Daily Press in 2000 as editor, retiring in 2007.
He was presented with numerous journalism awards during his career and had the opportunity to meet many sports players and coaches. Harry was an avid baseball fan and loved the St. Louis Cardinals.
He married Patricia Landreth June 25, 2011, in Carlsbad.
Survivors include his wife, Pat Landreth Readel, of Carlsbad; sons Tommy Landreth and wife Tina, and William Landreth and wife Melanie, both of Carlsbad; daughter Sherri Walker and husband David of Carlsbad; sister Phyllis Readel of Carlsbad; and grandchildren Nickolas Walker and Fisher Walker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Roxanne Readel; and brother Dale Readel.
Arrangements are under the direction of Denton-Wood Funeral Home of Carlsbad. Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com.
