Darrell R. Harper

Darrell R. Harper, 75, of Alvarado St., Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at University Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas surrounded by his family. Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 3101 S. Canal St. in Carlsbad, New Mexico with Roque M. Soltero, an elder, officiating.

Darrell Ray was born April 21, 1951 in Lamesa, Texas to Jonathan Daniel Harper and Martha Elizabeth (Rousseau) Harper.

As a teenager, Darrell started working in his father’s business, a Shamrock station at the corner of San Jose Blvd. and Wood St. here in Carlsbad. Later, he owned and operated several other businesses which included a Goodyear tire store and automotive repair shops located along National Parks Highway. Darrell then started a new chapter in his life by getting into the hotel business working in all facets of the industry. He started at entry level jobs and eventually managed several different hotels throughout the country. Darrell was a man of many talents; he even had a brief stint during the mid 1990’s as a newspaper editor for the Carlsbad Weekly News.

After retiring, Darrell and Donella enjoyed loading up their RV and traveling to see Jehovah’s beautiful creation, the great outdoors. On one trip they made it as far north as Idaho and visited several National Parks along the way. However, they really loved to spend time in the mountains here in New Mexico. Darrell also enjoyed working on his yard, making different improvements and setting up different garden areas. Those were his favorite outdoor activities; as for indoor activities Darrell really enjoyed the kitchen. While he still could, he enjoyed experimenting with recipes, adding his own unique touch to a dish. Over time he had quite a few tips to make common dishes taste better. (Did you know that you could add club soda to eggs to make the omelet fluffier?)

But more than all these things, Darrell loved his God, Jehovah. After studying the Bible with his mother-in-law, Linnie, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Albuquerque, New Mexico on July 11, 1998. Especially during his latter years, because of his failing health, he took every opportunity to talk to others about Jehovah and His Kingdom. He always spoke to medical personnel about Bible truths whether at home, or in their offices. Also, anyone who worked around his house had the opportunity to hear the good news of the Kingdom when he would invite them to take a break and enjoy a refreshment with him. Truly, Darrell loved life and did all he could to keep living while respecting Jehovah’s laws. He was a fighter down to the end.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Donella Shanor (Harper), his sons, Jason R. Harper, Tobin Mark Harper and Jonathan R. Elliott (Harper) as well as several grandchildren.