Robert W. Pyle passed away on Saturday evening, September 16 at the age of 74 of Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Clovis, New Mexico on April 26, 1943 to Elmer and Mary Pyle. At the age of six he and the family moved to Belen, New Mexico.
In his youth he participated in Order of DeMolay and rose to the rank of Master Councilor. He was also a member of the Knighthood Priory. After graduating from Belen High, he worked for the ATSF Railroad during the summer in order to put himself through college. He attended Eastern New Mexico University at Portales, where he met and married Martha Zoda and had a daughter, Mary Louise.
Robert began teaching in the Hobbs Municipal Schools in 1966. He earned a Master's Degree in Secondary Education in 1973 and continued teaching history at Highland Junior High for 27 years. In 1980 Robert and Martha began R & M Photography which was in business for 19 years.
After retiring from both professions, Robert enjoyed yard work and collecting memorabilia from his childhood. Alzheimer's began to take away the memories, but he retained some favorite stories of his past.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Martha Pyle, his daughter Mary Louise Spears, and beloved grandson, Brady Spears, and many cousins and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Mary Pyle as well as a brother, Roger Pyle, and nephew Douglas, Pyle.
Whether you met him in his youth, as a teacher, photographer, or friend, you know that Robert's personality, wit, and smile were unsurpassed. He loved New Mexico history and many students have heard and enjoyed his tales. He made countless people comfortable in front of the camera. Please remember him as he was before Alzheimer's. That's what he would want.
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