Thomas Robert Halsell

Thomas (Tom) Robert Halsell of Hatch, New Mexico passed away on December 29, 2016 at the age of 80. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara Funk Halsell, his daughters Kathryn Anderson and husband Dave and Jessie Newton and husband Jim; and his stepsons, Charles (Chuck) Watkins and wife Vicky, Chris Watkins and wife Cindy, and Corey Watkins along with 14 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bill Halsell and his nieces Anne Gentile and Joan Stasi. He was preceded in death by his parents, T.E. Halsell and Jessie Darnell Halsell; his first wife, Shelby K. Abel Halsell and his son, Robert (Bob) Halsell. Pallbearers are his grandson's: Brent Archer, Cody Halsell, Zane Watkins, Tyler Watkins, Eli Watkins, Connor Watkins, David Anderson and Caleb Watkins. Tom was born on December 24, 1936 in Durant, OK to T.E. Halsell and Jessie Darnell Halsell. The family moved to Galveston, Texas in 1942 and then to Garfield, New Mexico in 1948. Tom graduated from Hatch Valley High School in 1954 and worked in the valley doing various odd jobs until joining the Navy in 1956. After serving for four years, he returned to New Mexico and attended the police academy. Tom worked as a patrolman for the Albuquerque Police Department from 1961-1966 and as a Detective from 1966-1968. He married Shelby Kathryn Abel on April 6, 1962 in Albuquerque, NM. In 1968, Tom, Shelby and their three children, Bob, Kathryn and Jessie returned to Hatch, New Mexico where they owned and operated Halsell's Supermarket. After Shelby's death, Tom married Barbara Funk Halsell on April 11, 1990. Tom was proud of his Chickasaw Indian Heritage; his father T.E. Halsell was an original enrollee in the Chickasaw Tribe., Tom was a Christian and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hatch since 1968. Tom enjoyed traveling with Barbara, cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys, cheering for all Hatch Bear Sports, having morning coffee with friends, playing dominoes and tinkering with his swimming pool. Tom had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Tom and Barbara's last trip was in 2015 to Oregon for Christmas where they spent the holiday with Kathryn, Jessie and their families. Tom Loved Hatch and the Hatch Valley. He was a very active member of the Village of Hatch. He served as Mayor of Hatch for one term on the City Council for two terms. He was the Co-Chairperson of Inaugural Chile Festival Committee and served on the committee for seven years. Tom served as a Dona Ana Democratic Party Election Official and was appointed by Governor King the State Police Board. He also served on the Rio Grande Natural Gas Board. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Hatch at 10:00am. There will be a private family burial at a later date.Memorial Donations can be made to First Baptist Church, P.O Box 557, Hatch, NM 87937. Funeral Services are entrusted to Getz Funeral Home, to sign the online register book please go to www.getzcares.com. PDF Printable Version Service Information
Tuesday, January 3, 2017 10:00am,
First Baptist Church

Address Not Available






Interment Location

Garden of Memories

Address Not Available
Hatch, New Mexico