Dewayne Lee Albin

DeWayne Lee Albin left his loving family and friends here to reside in his new home in the heavenly realms Oct. 23, 2008. He will be welcomed there by his son, Mark, his parents and a host of family members and friends. The Ones who will regally welcome him into his final home will be his Best Friend, Jesus, and his Father, God. Angels are singing and rejoicing over this saint's arrival. DeWayne was born to Ward Noel and Jessie May (Pierce) Albin on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1926, in Wasta, S.D. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; daughter, Vicky Lee (Peter) Estlack; son, James Ward (Debbie) Albin; brothers, Dale, Ronald (Kathy) and Gordon; and sister, Donna Cox. He is "Papa" to eight grandchildren, Rachelle (James) Frasure, Casey DeWayne Thompson, Rebecca Markham, Jessica (Joe) Williamson, Jennifer (Leo) Duran, Jimmy Albin, Kristie Albin and Ashleigh Albin; and nine great-grandchildren, Chelsi and Hailey Frasure, Skyler and Dakota Thompson, Mariah and Anthony Markham, Kylie Fierman, Brooklyn Albin and Isaiah Duran. DeWayne grew up in Deadwood, S.D., where he was a locally proclaimed historian of the area. He and his brothers and Mary Jo's brothers played and lived in the old colorful historical town. He made many return trips on his motorcycle during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rallies. DeWayne served in the U.S. Army as an artillery gunner. As a young man, he worked as a lineman for the Black Hills Power and Light Co., and in the Bald Mountain Gold Mines. He met Mary Jo Aiken when she and her brother went to Deadwood for a visit. When introduced by an aunt, he stated emphatically, "I'm going to marry that girl!" He was told, "Her six brothers won't let you." He talked with her brother Tommy and persuaded him to drive them back to Phoenix, Ariz. The rest was history. They have been married 57 wonderful years. They started a tree trimming business together in Deadwood where their first two children, Vicky Lee and James Ward, were born. The family moved to Indiana where he continued his career as a lineman. Their son, DeWayne Mark was born there. In 1959, the family relocated to southern Arizona where he worked in Christian ministry, assisting with the tent crew, driving trucks, doing the electrical work and other areas in the ministry. In 1972, the family moved to Farmington, where DeWayne worked as a licensed journeyman electrician. DeWayne, who has ridden motorcycles most of his life, formed the original chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association (CMA) in Farmington, which is thriving to this day. He has traveled extensively to motorcycle rallies throughout the states and served on the board of directors for the Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally and Rally in the Rockies in Ignacio, Colo. Throughout his biking ministry, he entertained politicians, celebrities and outlaw bikers, never wavering in his stand to share the Gospel with all. DeWayne has never met a stranger. Anyone he met he struck up a conversation with them and without any push somehow the conversation turned to something that brought out a spiritual thought. The conversation turned to his favorite subjects, motorcycles and Jesus. His stories were true, exciting, personal and many times, humorous. After one conversation, people felt they had become his best friend and he felt the same. To know this man was to love him. He lived what he believed, he believed what he lived. A mighty warrior of God has gone home. DeWayne is loved and missed by all who knew him. Donations may be made to Mary Jo Albin at any branch of Citizens Bank. Arrangements for DeWayne are in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St. Farmington, NM (505) 325-8688