Thomas "Tommy" Garner

Thomas L. “Tommy” Garner passed away peacefully at his home in Happy Valley on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 85. Tommy was born the first of two sons on June 11, 1940 in Carlsbad, NM to Walter and Marjorie Garner.

Tommy remained in Carlsbad where he found the love of his life, Patsy Andrews. They were married on December 17, 1960, and were blessed with four daughters, Monica, Tootie, Tommie and Rachel.

In the early 1970’s the family moved to the farm in Happy Valley where Tommy was actively farming up until the time of his death. In addition to farming he worked several jobs throughout his life beginning with the potash mines, first at PCA in the loading docks and then Duval. Next, he worked for Jerry Jones in the sheet metal and refrigeration business. Lastly, he worked at the Pennzoil (later changed to Culberson) sulfur mine in Orla, TX, where he retired. After retirement he still continued to work on his own in the electrical/refrigeration business.

Tommy was very active in his community and served on several boards including President of the Hackberry Watershed District, President of Bluebird Water Supply and Vice President of the Happy Valley Cooperative Water Works.

Tommy loved to travel and his favorite thing was to sneak away to his vacation home in Logan, NM and go fishing any time he could. He also loved watching old western movies but above all, he loved spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters Monica Landreth and Tootie Owens. He leaves behind his wife Patsy; children: Tommie/Terry Owens, and Rachel/James Hammer; brother, Ronnie Garner; grandchildren: Ray/Laura Owens, Justin/Lyndi Owens, and Dakota Owens, Monica Marshall; great-grandchildren: Ethan, C J, and Paityn Owens, Essence Cunningham, Aubrey and Justin Jr. Owens, Wayland and Windsor Owens and Rylee Peppin. And we can’t forget his furbabies Dixie and Cooper.

Tommy was loved by all that knew him and he will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Happy Valley Baptist Church with Pastor Gary Davis officiating. Interment will follow at the Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad NM.

Pallbearers are Justin Owens, Ethan Owens, Terry Owens, Dakota Owens, Leo Estrada and Bobby Washburn.