Mark Collins Hargrove

Mark Collins Hargrove, 56, passed away peacefully at his home in Ruidoso, New Mexico, on January 27, 2026. He was born on September 12, 1969, in Memphis, Texas, to Gary and Claudia Hargrove.

Mark attended Coronado High School in El Paso, Texas, graduating in 1988. He pursued his calling in law enforcement by attending the New Mexico Police Academy in Santa Fe, where he also graduated in 1990. Mark was selected to attend the FBI National Academy, graduating from the program in 2007.

Mark dedicated 37 years of his life to a distinguished career in law enforcement, beginning in 1989. He was first hired by the Hobbs Police Department, where he served as a police officer, tactical response team member, and field training officer.

In 1993, Mark joined the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, where his career flourished. Over the years, he served as a patrol officer, drug task force agent, SWAT commander, investigator, sergeant, captain over patrol and criminal investigations, Undersheriff, and ultimately was appointed, then later elected Sheriff of Lea County. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to community safety were hallmarks of his service.

After a brief departure from law enforcement to work in the oilfield, Mark returned to his true passion. In 2017, he became Police Chief of the Ruidoso Downs Police Department. After two years in that role, he transitioned to Vice President of the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, where he served until 2025. Following the unfortunate closure of the racetrack, Mark was once again called to serve his community and was reappointed Police Chief of the Ruidoso Downs Police Department. He was sworn into this position on January 20, 2026.

Throughout his career, Mark served on numerous boards and committees, including Chairman of the Lea County Drug Task Force and Crime Stoppers. He was a former member of the Lea County Communication Authority and the Lea County Emergency Preparedness Committee. Mark was also affiliated with the New Mexico Association of Chiefs of Police, New Mexico Sheriffs’ Association, FBI National Academy Associates, Community Drug Coalition of Lea County, National Tactical Officers Association, and Rotary International.

Known for his larger-than-life presence, Mark was affectionately called “Noodles” during his days as a bull rider—standing 6’4” and weighing just 120 pounds—and “Woody,” a nickname he earned while serving with the Hobbs Police Department.

Outside of work, Mark enjoyed watching sports, collecting firearms, and gathering police memorabilia. He was deeply proud of his career and the relationships he built throughout his life.

Mark is survived by his parents, Gary and Claudia Hargrove of El Paso, Texas; his fiancée, Ana Castanon of Ruidoso, New Mexico; his sister, Hilary Graham, and his favorite brother-in-law, Donnie, of Lubbock, Texas; his daughters, Emma and Georgie of Lubbock, Texas; his nephew, JT Graham, his wife Desiree, and their children Kamdon, Rowen, and Cooper; his niece, Rylea “Priss” Graham, and her son Kace of Lubbock, Texas, in addition to so many other family and friends.

A public Visitation will be held on February 4, 2026, at Chapel of Hope Funeral Home in Hobbs from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Services for Mark will be handled through Chapel of Hope Funeral Home and will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church (1113 N. Grimes, Hobbs, New Mexico).

Pallbearers are Donnie Graham, JT Graham, Keith Rice, Rick Baugh, Ron Burnam, and Carroll Scott. Honorary pallbearer is Chief Virgil Green.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to New Legacy Home in Lubbock, Texas. Donations in honor of Mark Hargrove may be made at www.newlegacyhome.org/donate , by texting NEWLEGACY to 806-450-5280, or by mailing contributions to New Legacy Home for Women, P.O. Box 53904, Lubbock, TX 79453. Please include “In Memory of Mark Hargrove.”