NEW MEXICO LEGENDS, PRESENTED BY FRENCH FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS: Dr. Thomas “Buster” Mabrey
Dr. Thomas “Buster” Mabrey was a lifelong champion of New Mexico high school athletics – and one of the state’s most passionate advocates for coaches and the coaching profession. His sudden passing on December 30, 2024, marked the end of a remarkable 16-year tenure as executive director of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA), during which he transformed the organization and elevated the voice, visibility and value of coaches across the state.
Mabrey graduated from Hobbs (New Mexico) High School in 1985 and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Aspro, a nuclear submarine stationed in Hawaii. After his service, he returned to New Mexico and began officiating basketball while working in the oil fields. His coaching career began in 1992 at Mayfield High School, where he was part of three football state championships and led the track team to a district title.
Mabrey later served with the New Mexico Activities Association and, in 2006, became the athletic director at Piedra Vista High School. In 2008, he stepped into his most influential role as executive director of the NMHSCA. During the ensuing 16 years, he dedicated himself to strengthening the profession of coaching – developing programs to support professional growth, organizing statewide clinics and all-star events, and building partnerships that provided new opportunities for coaches and athletes alike.
Mabrey believed deeply in the power of coaching to change lives. He was more than an administrator – he was a mentor, motivator and tireless promoter of those who dedicate their lives to guiding young people. Through his leadership, the NMHSCA became not only a strong and supportive organization but also a respected advocate for the coaching profession in New Mexico and beyond. His legacy lives on through the countless coaches he mentored, the athletes they continue to inspire, and the association he strengthened. That legacy is carried forward by his wife, Lori Mabrey, who served on the NMHSCA Board of Directors and continues to uphold the values that defined his life’s work.
In recognition of his lifelong service and his unwavering advocacy for coaches, Mabrey was posthumously inducted into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2025. His impact on coaching – and on the people who make it their calling – will never be forgotten.
French Funerals and Cremations focus on celebrating people, preserving memories, and supporting New Mexico communities. We will shine a spotlight on the athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, community leaders, or contributors whose dedication has helped shape high school athletics and activities across New Mexico. These are the individuals whose impact extended far beyond wins and losses by creating opportunities, building traditions, and leaving lasting legacies for future generations.
Join us as we celebrate the stories, achievements, and influence of those who have made a difference in New Mexico high school sports and activities.
Honoring the past. Celebrating the present. Inspiring the future.
