Dates
Norman Russell Loose, Jr. A life of love, laughter and service.
Norman Russell Loose, Jr. was born to parents Norman R. Loose and Evelyn Loose on July 17,1938 in El Paso, Texas. Russell and his family relocated to Carlsbad, New Mexico where he attended high school and met the love of his life and future wife, Sonya Ann Pate. The couple married on November 27, 1958.
Russell took great pride during his undergraduate at Texas Tech University as a member of the ROTC. After graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering, he served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his work career he attained an MBA from TCU, and later a banking degree from SMU. Russell and Sonya welcomed four children into their family: Cindy, Robin, Greg and Amy. His love for his alma mater continued as he served as a member of the Industrial Engineering Advisory Board for Texas Tech in the 1980’s. Russell dedicated his career to banking and finance and made many lifelong friends in the process.
Russell’s greatest joy in life came from being a father, and later a Papa. He was dedicated to his children, even if that meant riding horses many miles home when they refused to load into the trailer, or showing kindness when his kids wrecked his cars. He was an expert coyote caller, ghost storyteller, and ice cream leveler.
Russell and Sonya accomplished their dream of retiring in the mountains of Cloudcroft, NM. Russell could be found helping neighbors clear snow from their driveways or enjoying four-wheeling through the mountains. He was a professional Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He emulated kindness and patience as he coached kiddos through strumming his ukulele, making paper airplanes, and reading the newspaper. He always encouraged a little mischief and engineered many family pranks and schemes.
Russell loved to work with his hands whether it was on his home in Cloudcroft, or making train sets for his children. Between his craftmanship and Sonya’s painting skills, his family has enjoyed many handmade treasures in their homes. He loved to share these skills and teach them to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Even just washing the car was a chore made extra fun since it was done with Papa.
Russell also served as a deacon in their home church of First United Methodist Church in Cloudcroft. Whether the need was organizing a fundraiser, or replacing a roof for a person in need, Russell was always first to lend a hand. Russell left this world for his heavenly home on January 29, 2023. He is survived by his soul mate, Sonya, and their four children and their families: Cindy Bolen, Robin & Peter Nies, Greg and Julie Loose, Amy and Clay Smith; his grandchildren Jessica (Bolen) Cummings, Hayden Smith, Ryan Nies, Pate Bolen, Jake Loose, Brady Smith, Hogan Loose, Alison (Nies) Burkhalter and Lillie Loose; his great-grandchildren Kayden, June, Samuel, Layten and Charlee. Russell is also survived by his sisters Linda Brannon and Susie Ratcliff.
Russell is proceeded in death by his parents Norman R. Loose and Evelyn Loose and his brother Val Loose.
Russell was “A Nice Guy”!!
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cloudcroft United Methodist Church.
Memorial Service
Saturday, February 18, 2023
11:00AM
Cloudcroft United Methodist
50 Chipmunk Ave.
Cloudcroft, NM 88317