Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

David Diaz was well known in Hurley and all over Grant County. He was born in and died in the same home in Hurley that he lived in for his 94 years.

When this author interviewed him in 2009 for a feature on World War II veterans, he said he went into the service on May 8, 1944.

Before he went into the U.S. Army, he had worked his way up from laborer to railroad supervisor for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, covering the area from Hurley to Hatch to Deming, N.M.

After basic training, he was placed in a railway operating battalion in Europe, where they worked to create accessibility to provide services to the troops.

He spent no more than 10 months in Europe, he said, although the battalion was moved around a lot and he visited England, France, Belgium and Germany.

"In Germany, we tried to get the transportation of food, arms and ammo to the troops," Diaz said. "We stayed a while after the surrender until things normalized, then they started sending us back."

He was discharged on Nov. 7, 1945 at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in Arkansas.

"I was proud to serve in World War II and do my part," Diaz said. "I congratulate all the men and women in the military. It proves that America always does the right thing."

After he returned to Hurley, he took flying lesson, "because I always wanted to fly," he said. "I have taught the majority of people around here how to fly."

He took up his career with the railroad where he left off and worked from 1942 to 1984. Except for his stint in the Army, he worked there 41 years and nine months.

Diaz is probably best known for the 34 years he spent as mayor of Hurley, from 1962 to 2006. He was the longest serving mayor in Hurley, as well as in the state of New Mexico.

"When the town of Hurley was incorporated, the main road used to come through town," Diaz said. "When the commission gave the road to the town after the new highway was built, I was pleased to have it named Diaz Avenue after me."