Ray Halderman

Ray L. Halderman, 78 a longtime Torrance County rancher died at his home in Palma, NM on Saturday, October 13, 2007. Ray was born April 4, 1929 at Palma the son of Edwin Channing Halderman and the former Ellie Russell. Ray was raised at Palma and Encino, NM where he attended school. He was a lifelong cattle rancher. Ray married Joyce McMath on October 3, 1950 in Santa Rosa they recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Ray served on the Encino Village Council for 21 years and on the Torrance County Commission for 6 years. He enjoyed riding his horses and loved playing the “Marble Game” with his grandchildren. Ray was a World War II Army Veteran assigned to Company H, Third Battalion, 16th Infantry. His military occupation was Heavy Machine Gunner. He received the Army Occupation Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Ray was honorably discharged on March 19, 1948. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter Ellie Cleo Halderman in 1951; and a brother Roy Halderman. Survivors include his wife Joyce Halderman of the home in Palma, NM; four sons Edwin Albert Halderman and wife Cheryl of Colorado Springs, CO; Wesley Bud Halderman and wife Janine of Moriarty, NM; Kenneth Doyle Halderman and wife Becky of Palma, NM; Andy Dee Halderman and wife Cindy of Shiner, TX; two daughters Dorothy Ray Halderman of Williamsburg, NM and Anna May Halderman of Moriarty, NM; also surviving are 10 grandchildren; Ray’s mother-in-law Cleo McMath of T or C, NM; three sisters Elsie Burton of Vaughn, NM; Mary Ellen Richmond and husband Paul of Las Cruces, NM; Betty Lou Houston and husband Vernon of Socorro, NM and one brother John E. Halderman and wife Jane of Riverside, CA. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 1PM to 6PM and Tuesday from 1PM to 2PM prior to the funeral. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 16, 2007 from the Encino School Gym with Marvin Marquez officiating. Burial will follow at Encino Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Kenneth, Bud, Dee, Charles Ray, Sonny Wess, and Casey Halderman. Honorary bearers will include Edwin Albert Halderman, Sonny Lassiter, Leon Vaught and all his family and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, NM (505) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com