tom whatley rsTom Marion Whatley Jr., 58, of Deming NM passed away 22 Dec 2017 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces.

Tom Marion Whatley Jr. (Tommy) was born in Dumas, Texas to Tom Marion Whatley and Blanche Ballard Whatley on January 30, 1959.

Tommy was raised in many areas while his father worked as a Livestock Inspector. Around the time he was in third grade they lived around Lordsburg, New Mexico and he was raised at the Box M ranch where he cowboyed with the family.

He attended and graduated from Lordsburg High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Rodeo team, played football and track. He continued his education by attending and graduating from New Mexico State University with a degree in Geology.

Tommy roped and rodeoed with his brother and father for many years.

He married Annette Ladd of Deming NM in January of 1985, with whom he had his son, Tom M. Whatley III in December of 1985. However due to unresolvable differences Tommy and Annette divorced in 1991.

He worked many occupations throughout his life including Geologist, Paramedic and Pecan Farmer. Tommy also had the privilege of working for the Luna County Detention office, as well as the Luna County Sheriff department as a deputy.

His final employment was with the State Engineer Office as a Water Resource Specialist where he had worked for over 20 years and was also a tutor at Western New Mexico University Deming Campus which he took great pride in.

Tom Marion Whatley Jr was proceeded in death by his father.

Tom Marion Whatley Jr is survived by his mother, Blanche Whatley, his son, Tom Marion Whatley III, his brother, Lynn Whatley, his 2 grandsons Tom Marion Whatley IV and Ethan Joseph Whatley.

Services will be Saturday, December 30, beginning with viewing at 0900 and the funeral service to begin at 10 at Baca's Funeral Chapels in Deming. Pastor Darrell Witmer of the First Christian Church will officiate and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Lordsburg.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Stevenson, Tommy Esquivel, Bill Wright, Walt Anderson, GeDon Berryman, Mike Wolf, Tink Jackson, Lynn Whatley and Tom M Whatley III.

Honorary pallbearers are Jim Culbertson, Leon Samples, Dominic Duran and Robert Rogers.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Ronald McDonald Charities of Southern Arizona in Tucson Arizona via https://rmhctucson.org/how-to-help/#waystodonate.

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