Hershel Martin

Hershel Edward Martin, 86, of Las Cruces, NM passed away at his home on Saturday, February 22, 2025 with his family by his side. Hershel was born July 21, 1938 in Logan, NM to the home of Andrew and Opal (Charter) Martin. Hershel grew up in Quay County where he attended school at Tucumcari, NM. 

Hershel married his first wife Beverly Kirk, in February of 1958, together they had 3 children Lonnie, Debra, and Terry. Hershel married his second wife Mary Lou Roper on June 15, 1962 and together they had 3 children Karen, Hershel Jr, and Sandra. 

Hershel served a few years in the National Guard. Hershel worked as a grounds keeper at the Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course, worked for the City of Tucumcari, and managed a gas station in Tucumcari. He also was a cowboy and worked at different ranches in the Quay County area. 

Hershel spent most of his life in the Tucumcari area, but also lived in Arivaca, Arizona, Melrose, NM, Fort Sumner, NM, Lipan, TX, and for the last 8 months Las Cruces, NM. 

When he wasn't working he enjoyed watching over the farm, spoiling his dogs, watching old westerns and rodeos on TV. In his younger days he loved to break horses, and work on cars. 

Hershel is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Opal Martin, his first wife Beverly Kirk Wiese, his second wife Mary Lou Martin, a grandson Tommy Littell, a brother Julian "Sonny" Martin, a sister Katherine Davis, and one son-in-law Bobby Decker. 

Hershel is survived by his children: Lonnie (Diana) Martin of Albuquerque, NM, Debra Decker of Tucumcari, NM, Terry Martin of Los Angeles, CA, Karen (Ronnie) Rogers of Lipan, TX, Hershel "Doc" Martin Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Sandy (Tom) Ceniceros of Las Cruces, NM. He is survived by 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, two brothers: Marvin Martin, and Bobby (Sue) Martin, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Viewing will be on Saturday March 8, 2025 at 10 am at the shelter at the Melrose Cemetery with a  Graveside Service to follow at 11 am at the Melrose Cemetery. Pallbearers will include all of his grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ernest Riley, and Eddie Riley. 

Please keep Hershel's family in your prayers. You may leave a tribute, share a favorite memory and sign the guestbook at www.chavezfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.