On January 19, 2022, Joseph Macaron, with Edna Macaron, his wife of 71 years at his side, surrounded by friends and family in his home, peacefully and quietly passed to heaven.
Joseph Macaron (Junior) was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1929, in Springer, New Mexico to his mother, Lillie David Macaron, and his father, Joseph Macaron. At a very young age Joe with his brother, Fred, and sisters Elizabeth and Edna Mae quickly developed a strong work ethic helping in the family business, Macaron’s Sooper Market in Springer, which he later owned and operated with his parents and brother, Fred, until his retirement. After his retirement from the grocery store business, Joseph obtained his Realtor’s License and later worked at the Bernalillo County Assessor’s Office, primarily because he enjoyed meeting and working with others,
Joseph attended school in Springer through high school graduating in 1946.
Following high school, Joseph attended the University of Denver and later the University of New Mexico studying Business Management until he felt a calling to join the US Army in 1948. After active duty, Joe continued his military service in the New Mexico Army National Guard where he proudly served for many more years establishing a multitude of friendships that he cherished for the rest of his life. During his 40 + years of military service Joseph rose to the federally recognized rank of “full bird” Colonel, and, upon retirement, the state-recognized rank of Brigadier General.
Joe was always concerned with the needs of others and felt that he should be involved in the community whenever he could help. He was a member of the Lions Club, Eastern Star, and Masons in Springer. He served many years on the Colfax County Hospital Board and later served on the Presbyterian Hospital Board, State of New Mexico Personnel Board, the State of New Mexico Parole Board, and the Rescue Mission Board in Albuquerque. He was a member of the Springer United Methodist Church and St. John’s United Methodist Church in Albuquerque. He has also supported numerous programs and ministries to the benefit of children and youth, veterans, prisoners and the homeless. As a devout Christian, Joseph walked in faith as a “doer” of the word of God. Joseph persevered while facing extremely difficult trials and adversities. He has fought the good fight. He has finished the course. He has kept the faith.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Edna Elizabeth Macaron, and his children and their
spouses: Mark and Kim Macaron, Kathy Macaron and David Redding, and Diane and George
Drake as well as his grandchildren, Kristian Macaron, Joseph Drake and wife Priscilla and their daughter Isabella, Mark Macaron II and wife Danielle, Jeff Drake and wife Britney and their daughter Lena, Melissa Macaron, and Jason Macaron and wife Maricella. He is also survived by his sister Edna Mae Blare of Mesa, Arizona and numerous nieces and nephews.
A grave side service will be held at Springer Cemetery in Springer, NM on Friday, February 4, 2022, beginning at 1:00 PM, MST. Full military honors will be given. A celebration of life gathering will be scheduled in Albuquerque, NM at a time and place to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, it was Joseph’s request that donations be made to Steelbridge (formerly the Albuquerque Rescue Mission) PO Box 331, Albuquerque, NM 87103, Ph. 505-346-4673, Email donor@mysteelbridge.org.
