Neuman Merritt

Neuman Merritt, 86 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away at his home Monday, June 27, 2016. He was born October 23, 1929 in Kerr County, Texas to the home of L.K. and Katie (Rose) Merritt. He attended school in Hunt, TX until the 7th grade, 8th grade in San Antonio, TX and his freshman and sophomore year in Corona, NM, he finished his junior and senior year in Mountainair, NM. Neuman married Peggy Jane Young on December 23, 1952 at her parents home in Encino, NM. Peggy and Neuman made their home in Fort Sumner in 1970 where they raised their family. Neuman was a longtime cattle rancher and truck driver. He also worked 15 years as an inspector with the NM Livestock Board. He enjoyed hunting, reading, and watching TV. Neuman is preceded in death by his wife Peggy Merritt on July 31, 2005, his parents, a granddaughter Leslie Ann Kenyon in 1980, a brother L.K. Merritt Jr., and four sisters Louise Owens, Lola Vickery, Kathleen Dennison, and Betty Minton. Survivors include four daughters Cheryl Kenyon and husband David of Fort Sumner, Deborah Willingham and husband Garlin of Artesia, Patricia Hudson and husband Keavin of O'Donnell, TX, and Kay Stephens of Oklahoma City, OK along with several grandchildren, and great-grandchldren. Funeral services will be held at 10am Thursday, June 30, 2016 in the Chavez Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Mike Stahl officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Devlin Willingham, Tyrell Willingham, Tannon Hudson, Jake Weatherman, Rusty Kenyon, and Paul Kenyon. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311.