Obituary: Arthur Dockray Tunnell

Arthur Dockray Tunnell, age 73, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Arthur was born on February 25, 1951, to Sankston Stone Tunnell and Glynn Dockray in Artesia, NM. 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: 3 years in Post, TX, 30 years at Clovis High School, and 6 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 1994-1999. In 1988-1991, he served as the DDGL for District 6, and from 1992-1993, he 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 NM in 2007.

Arthur became a member of the Valley of Las Cruces Scottish Rite in September 1980 and received the 32° KCCH in 2015. He was coroneted as Inspector General Honorary, 33° in August of 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.

He 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; the York Rite Invitational Bodies include: 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; two sons, Stephen (Kayla) Tunnell of Tucson and Gavin Tunnell (Tad Treft) of Clovis; sister, Sharon Thomas of Artesia; niece, Sarah Atole of Artesia; and nephew, Ronny Thomas of Portland, OR. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sankston Stone Tunnell and Glynn Dockray.

Visitation will be Friday, May 24, 2024, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at The Chapel. Funeral service to be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10:00 am at The Chapel, 1500 Thornton Street, with Chaplain John Lizarraga officiating. Jarrod Foster, Josh Fike, John Walton, Joel Garcia, Nate Richie, and Max Stansell will serve as pallbearers. All Masons will be honorary pallbearers. Masonic Graveside Rites to follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens, 1601 E Llano Estacado.

Arrangements have been entrusted by Muffley Funeral Home, http://www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575) 762-4435.