Larry Duane Batts

Larry Duane Batts, 66 of Hobbs, NM passed away Saturday, May 21, 2016 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 12, 1949 in Deming, NM to the home of U.J. and Hazel (Hobbs) Batts. He attended and graduated from Deming high School. Larry married Joy Marlene Roberts on August 17, 1967 in Las Vegas, NM. They made their home in Hobbs in 1981 where Larry worked as a licensed electrician with Dixie Electric for 31 years. He retired in 2012. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and fishing. Larry is preceded in death by his parents. He will be missed by his family and friends, his wife of 48 years Joy Batts of Hobbs, son Allen Batts and wife Shelly of Deming, daughter Michelle Ray of Hobbs, grandchildren Kandace Gottlieb and husband Brandon of Denver, CO, Tobee Batts, Brice Ray, and Tayler Ray all of Hobbs and one great-grandchild Mackineze Gottlieb of Denver. Also surviving are two sisters Shirley Weatherford and husband Gene of McAlester, OK, and Carolyn Tue of Maricopa, AZ, several nieces and nephews along with a host of relatives and friends. Visitation hours will be Sunday from 1pm to 5pm and Monday from 9am to 1:30pm at Chavez Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2pm Monday, May 23, 2016 at Fort Sumner Cemetery, Fort Sumner, New Mexico with Anna Teeter-Gentile officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Larry Batts to St. Jude Children's Hospital. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com