Melton D. Hawthorne

Melton Devlin Hawthorne, 54 a resident of Fort Sumner passed away early Wednesday morning, January 10, 2018 at University Medical Center in Lubbock following an illness. He was born June 14, 1963 in Amarillo, Texas the son of Afton A. and Edna (Munns) Hawthorne. He grew up and attended Fort Sumner schools. Melton worked for many years as a Detention Officer and Dispatcher for De Baca County. He also worked as a ranch hand and farm hand for several De Baca County ranches and farmers. Melton was a Boy Scout Leader for several years. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fort Sumner. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping and enjoyed the time he spent in Alaska. He was a man with a big heart, kind and generous, always helping anyone in need. He had a special place in his heart for the youth of the community and they all respected and loved him for his kindness. Melton is preceded in death by his mother Edna Propps in 1980, his father Afton Hawthorne in 2012, two sisters Patsy Lucero in 2013, and Ellen Hawthorne in 1962. Survivors include his brothers Chad Roybal (Mary Ann) of Fort Sumner, Wesley Propps of Fort Sumner, Jimmy Hawthorne of Michigan, Justin Pate (Marissa) of McCook, NE, Latigo Pate (Misty) of Nutriso, AZ, a sister Rene Meister (Joey) of Boise City, OK, niece Maria Lucero of Clovis, and an uncle Bill Jaynes (Wanda) of Albuquerque along with a host of other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at Chavez Funeral Home Chapel, Fort Sumner, NM on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm with President Bob Jack of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fort Sumner branch officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jacobo Roybal, Joseph (J.J.) Roybal, Cameron Lucero, Andrew Jaramillo, Josh Jaramillo, Christopher Lucero, Tanner Mack, and Jacob Maxwell. Honorary bearers will include all of Melton's loved ones. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.