Darrell Bearden

(Alvin) Darrell Bearden, 86, passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, May 3, surrounded by his family. Darrell was born January 20, 1939, in Olney, Texas, to Rufus Erskine Bearden, Jr. and Hazel Cooper Bearden.

His family moved to Eunice NM before first grade and he attended 1st through 12th grade in Eunice, graduating in 1957. He played basketball and football throughout high school. He worked summers at his Uncle Elo’s farm in Olney.

He played lead guitar for the Ivy Jives during high school. They competed against Roy Orbison and the Wink Westerners and became friends with Roy Orbison. He often said, “We had the band, but they had the singer”.

Darrell attended NMJC night school where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Science. Darrell joined the U.S. Navy in 1958, serving in Naval Air Electrician/Electronics. He base-trained at San Diego then transferred to Point Mugu near Oxnard, then to Norman Oklahoma for electronic/electrician training, then to Jacksonville Florida for advanced electronic/electrician training. He was sent to Ream Field, San Diego for duty (developing how to hunt Nuclear Subs by air – helicopter squadron) before being sent to North Island Naval Station Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit (top secret clearance to develop Magnetic Auto Gear on P2Vs to track nuclear subs by air because they could outrun the destroyers). He received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy as an E5 in January 1964.

After returning to Eunice, he worked for Ferguson Construction laying a water pipeline to Climax Chemical, then worked for Climax for 27 years as assistant electrician before becoming the Vice President of Manufacturing and Transportation. He also graduated from the Wharton School of Business during this time.

He married Kathi Bearden in 1990.

Darrell owned and/or had interest in several local businesses and worked as a consultant for chemical plants in Utah and Texas.

He helped organize and served on the Hobbs Boys Club board, coached Little League Baseball and Boys Club football and basketball. He enjoyed golf, playing the guitar, was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and enjoyed many miles of travel in his motorhomes.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Kathi; children: Kenneth Norris (Lori Meuer) grandsons Kenny and Zack Norris; son Jeremiah Norris (Bertha) grandchildren Annaeise, Jeremiah and Kylie Norris.

He is also survived by 3 children: Steven (wife Laura),  Scott (Glenda), Bruce (Leslie) and son-in-law Johnny Aten. Grandchildren Nikki, Zack, Kelby, Myca, McKenzie, Justin, Kacee, Brianna, Annalise, a sister Nancy Wagner and great grandchildren: Ashton, Max, Rio and Brin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Erskine & Hazel Odessa Bearden and by his daughter, Robin Aten.

The family welcomes donations to Community Drug Coalition of Lea County, 107 South Dalmont, Hobbs or Hobbs Boys & Girls Club, 301 E Broadway, Hobbs