David M. Herrell

David M. Herrell, 70, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Edwards Catholic Church with Fr. Pasala Hruday Kumar officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

David was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Shirley Cowan Rhodes and Jesse W Rhodes. He grew up in Carlsbad, graduated from Carlsbad High School and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. He did his basic training at Ft Ord in California, his AIT in Ft Gordon, and then he deployed to Thailand in 1974 as a Military Police Patrolman. Upon returning to the states, he attended OCS (officer candidate school) and earned his commission in 1977. David married Sonia Perea in 1977--his wife of 49 years. They moved to Las Cruces, NM where he attained his bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces NM in 1980. This was followed by a move to El Paso, TX to attend graduate school in Geological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso. Upon graduating, he returned to active-duty Army to serve as a Captain in the Roland Battalion at McGregor Range, Ft Bliss, Texas. He continued his military service serving in various positions throughout New Mexico and Texas until he retired at the rank of Lt Colonel in the year 2000. He served as a Patrolman with New Mexico State Police from the year 2000 to 2007, first in Espanola, and then in Carlsbad, NM. He continued his career in Bureau of Land Management at the Carlsbad Field Office as a Hydrologist from 2008 until 2025.

David had many passions in life including boxing, biking, running, music and continuing education. He first began boxing while stationed in Thailand, where he immersed himself in both traditional and Thai boxing techniques. His passion for the sport continued for many years, David participated as a member of the Army Boxing Team at Fort Bliss. In addition to his dedication to boxing, David was also an avid biker and runner. He competed in various biathlons across New Mexico and Texas, demonstrating his enthusiasm for physical fitness and competition. In addition to his athletic pursuits, David had a lifelong love for music. He began playing guitar around the age of 12 and, through dedication and practice, developed into a skilled classical guitarist. His musical journey also included membership in the City Voices Choir here in Carlsbad. David's musical interests were complemented by his drive for continuous learning and self-improvement. This drive led him to pursue degrees in geology and fostered an overall love of science. His commitment to education was evident in his active participation as a member of both the New Mexico Geological Society and the Geological Society of America, organizations dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and professional development.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Shirley Cowan Rhodes Herrell, and Jesse W Rhodes, and grandparents Frances and John Cowan. He is survived by his wife Sonia, son David and wife Emily, brother Tony and wife Rosemary, grandchildren DJ, Jesse, and Joe Herrell, and numerous nieces, one nephew, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, you can honor David’s memory with a donation online to the Inspired by Science Fund through the Carlsbad Community Foundation. This can be done as a Tribute donation in memory of David Herrell.