Theodore Frank Hamby

Theodore "Ted" Frank Hamby passed away on April 26, 2026, after a life marked by service, hard work, generosity, and a deep love for his family and friends.

Born on December 7, 1939, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ted was the son of Evelyn Estelle Reynolds and Raymond Patterson Hamby. He remained deeply connected to New Mexico throughout his life and graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1957.

Ted proudly served in the United States Navy, flying on numerous overseas missions. It was during one of those missions to Norway that he met Val, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. They married in 1963 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

After his military service, Ted began a long and respected career with IBM, where he worked for 36 years as a technician. He began in the era of typewriters and adapted with the changing times, eventually becoming responsible for complex hardware across New Mexico and parts of Texas. He took pride in his work and earned the respect of those who knew him for his knowledge, skill, and dependability.

Ted was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Val; his daughter, Elizabeth Ristich and her husband, Christopher; his son, Troy Hamby and his wife, Erica; his grandchildren Scott, Julie, Lauren, Lindsey, Shannon, and Connor (children of Elizabeth), and Sarah, Erika, Jacob, and Aiden (children of Troy); and his devoted nephew, David.

He was active in Alcoholics Anonymous, where he found a strong and meaningful community. The friendships and support he found there were an important part of his life, and he, in turn, gave generously of himself to help others.

Ted had a lifelong passion for auto racing and working on cars. He enjoyed the challenge of mechanical work, the excitement of racing, and the satisfaction of understanding how things worked.

Ted loved his family, his friends, and his pets, all of which brought him great joy throughout his life. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and loved to tell others about them. He will be remembered for his service to his country, his long career and technical skill, his generous heart, and his deep devotion to those he loved. He will be deeply missed.

Ted is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn; his father, Raymond Hamby; and his brother, Virgil Hamby.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1:00 pm followed by services at 2:00 pm at FRENCH-Wyoming. Interment will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.