Marc Dean McIlrath

Marc D. McIlrath (1961-2026)

Marc D. McIlrath, 64, of Farmington, New Mexico, passed away at home on March 24, 2026, following a decline in health resulting from injuries sustained in a fall in 2022. He was born in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Marc was an intelligent and talented man who often said he "had every job a little boy could ever dream of", including serving in the United States Army, as well as working as a paramedic, firefighter, police officer, registered nurse, and airline pilot. He faithfully served in these roles over several decades.

He served honorably in the United States Army as an intelligence officer. After earning his paramedic certification from Tacoma Community College in 1986, he began his career with Shepard Ambulance in Pierce County, where he advanced to Operations Supervisor and later served briefly in Orange County, California, as an Area Service Manager. He returned to Tacoma to serve as a firefighter/paramedic with Fire District 21 (Graham), rising to the rank of Lieutenant.

Marc later pursued his passion for aviation, earning his pilot credentials through San Juan College's Pilot Development Program in Farmington, New Mexico. He flew for Mesa Airlines as a Captain and Check Airman under the United Express and America West Express brands, later flying the Boeing 737 and MD-11 for Western Global Airlines.

During an industry downturn, Marc returned to school to complete his nursing degree and became a Registered Nurse, working in the Emergency Department and as a clinical coordinator at San Juan Regional Medical Center.

A dedicated union member, Marc served as a shop steward with the Teamsters Union (Local 599), participated in negotiations with the IAFF, and held elected office with the Air Line Pilots Association.

Marc will be remembered for his servant's heart and his commitment to doing the job right-every time.

He was preceded in death by his father, William R. McIlrath, and his mother, Judith L. Mettlen (née Hamilton).

He is survived by his uncle, James P. McIlrath; his brother, William R. McIlrath II and his wife, Lisa; his sister, Christine Faith Allen and her husband, Mike; his nieces Hannah, Alyssa, Lucy, Christina, Molly, and Violet; his nephews Thomas and Willie; cousins Marla and her husband, Sam, and Tammy and her husband, Eric; and numerous extended family members.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregiver, Brandi King of Aztec, New Mexico, whose compassion, support, and friendship meant so much to Marc and who cared for him with kindness and dedication in the years following his accident in 2022.

Interment will take place at a future date at a veterans cemetery in Southern California with military honors, where he will be laid to rest near his father, William R. McIlrath.