Walter Reams

Walter Wayne Reams was born September 15th, 1933, to John Preston Reams and Katy Rhea Whidden. He passed away on January 6th, 2023, in Hobbs.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sisters, Wanda Rhea and Adelia Mae and his son, Robbie.

He is survived by his wife Anita, two daughters, Ria and Dena, and his brother Robert.

He grew up in the Ballinger, Texas area.

Wayne served in the army in 1952 in Germany during the cold war. After being honorably discharged, he met Anita and shortly thereafter, got married and started a family.

He was married to Anita for 67 years and they were blessed with three children, Ria Ritter (husband Mark), Dena Ragsdale (husband Monty) and Robbie Reams (wife Phyllis).  Wayne was also blessed with many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

He went to work in the oil and gas industry starting out at a Gas Plant in Midkiff, Texas.  He worked as a Plant operator for many years there, raising his family and living the company camp life.  Phillips 66 acquired the gas plant and after a couple of career advancements, Wayne and family landed in Hobbs, New Mexico.  Wayne was an exemplary employee for 38 years, finishing his career as an Instrument Technician.  He was highly respected by all who worked with or around him. He had a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude.  He always took great pride in his work.  In his earlier years, Wayne loved spending time outdoors hunting, riding motorcycles, and camping with family and friends.

Wayne wasn’t a city dweller.  He liked his space and didn’t like being told what to do on his own property.  He and Anita moved a little further from town in 1988 and started raising cattle. He affectionally referred to this new location as the Funny Farm.  He loved the life of farming hay and raising his Red Angus Cows and being a member of the Red Angus Breeders Association.  His hobby was hard work mixed in with a little prairie dog population management.  His closest neighbors referred to him as the mayor because he knew everything going on in the surrounding area.

He was a role model for his kids and grandkids. Dirty hands, work hard and clean living.  He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.