Arthur Tunnell

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at The Chapel in Clovis for Arthur Dockray Tunnell.

Tunnell, 73, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Chaplain John Lizarraga will officiate the services, with Masonic Graveside Rites to follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis. Pallbearers will be Jarrod Foster, Josh Fike, John Walton, Joel Garcia, Nate Richie and Max Stansell. Honorary pallbearers are all Masons.

Visitation will be held from 1-6 p.m. Friday, May 24, at The Chapel.

Arthur was born Feb. 25, 1951, in Artesia to Sankston Stone Tunnell and Glynn Dockray. He grew up in a very loving, Christian home and followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a math teacher.

Arthur taught math for 39 years: three years in Post, Texas, 30 years at Clovis High School, and six years at Bovina High School. He loved teaching geometry and statistics, which provided him with an opportunity to tell jokes.

Most importantly in his life, he followed his father into Freemasonry, beginning in 1965 joining DeMolay. In 1972, he became a member of Artesia Lodge No. 28, with much to follow. He was a member of Clovis Lodge No. 40, where he was the Master in 1991 and served as secretary from 1994-99. From 1988-91, he served as the DDGL for District 6 and from 1992-93 served as DDGM.

In 2003, he became a member of Hobbs Lodge No. 63. His greatest honor came in 2001, when William Beckett, GM, appointed him to the Grand Lodge of New Mexico line. He was installed as the Grand Master of New Mexico in 2007.

Arthur became a member of the Valley of Las Cruces Scottish Rite in September 1980 and received the 32nd Degree KCCH in 2015. He was coroneted as Inspector General Honorary, 33rd Degree, in August 2019. He served the Valley of Las Cruces as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection in 2018 and served as the Assistant Personal Representative to the Deputy of the Supreme Council for the Valley. From July 2019 to December 2020, he served as Personal Representative to the Deputy.

Arthur was a member of the Melrose Chapter No. 30 Order of the Eastern Star, Ballut Abyad Shrine Center in Albuquerque, and the following York Rite Bodies: Colombia Chapter No. 7, Valley Council No. 4 and Rio Hondo Commandery No. 6; and York Rite Invitational Bodies including Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) Eastern New Mexico No. 428, York College No. 177 and Red Cross of Constantine in Roswell.

In 2024, he was elected and installed Puissant Sovereign of Christos Rhetor Conclave No. 30003 Red Cross of Constantine in Roswell.

Survivors include his spouse, Diane Tunnell; sons Stephen Tunnell and Kayla of Tucson, Ariz., and Gavin Tunnell and Tad Treft of Clovis; sister Sharon Thomas of Artesia; niece Sarah Atole of Artesia; and nephew Ronny Thomas of Portland, Ore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sankston Stone Tunnell and Glynn Dockray.

Arrangements are under the direction of Muffley Funeral Home of Clovis. Condolences may be expressed online at www.muffleyfuneralhome.com.