Joe Terrell

Joseph "Joe" Terrell, 79, a long time resident of Fort Sumner, NM passed away peacefully at his home on July 14, 2025. Joe was born April 2, 1946 in, Altus, Oklahoma to Joseph William and Frances (Doyle) Terrell. He grew up in Portales, NM and graduated from Portales High School in 1964. Joe married Mary Ann Blevins on February 16, 1968 in Portales, NM. Together they began their life in Nara Visa, NM before moving to Amarillo, TX in 1970.

While in Amarillo, Joe was an active member of the Southwest Optimist Club, Texas Panhandle Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Association, the Southwest Blacksmith Club, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For many years Joe dressed up as Santa Claus to visit the children for Make-A-Wish.

In December of 1993, Joe and Mary made Fort Sumner their home. He was a big supporter of the Fort Sumner FFA, 4-H clubs, and enjoyed supporting and spending time at the Fort Sumner Senior Citizens Center. Joe was also a member of the "coffee drinkers club" that met at Esther’s and Addison's Drug Store to solve all the world’s problems. 

Joe proudly served several years in the New Mexico National Guard. 

Joe was known as a "jack of all trades." He worked as a cowboy, heavy equipment operator, truck driver, and master plumber. During his 50 year career, Joe founded and operated 5 successful businesses including Safeway Plumbing in Amarillo, TX and Terrell Plumbing in Fort Sumner, NM. 

Beyond his work, Joe found joy in a variety of hobbies. He loved hunting, fishing, blacksmithing, and tinkering with projects around the house. A lifelong learner, he was always eager to pick up new skills and knowledge. Joe’s greatest pride and happiness came from his family. He was a constant supporter of his sons in all their endeavors, and he especially loved encouraging his grandchildren in everything they did.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Ann Terrell, and one sister Janice Terrell. Joe is survived by two sons Drew Terrell and wife Monica of Amarillo, TX, Seth Terrell and wife Stacy of Lubbock, TX, 8 grandkids Abby Terrell, Thomas Terrell, Samara Lambright, Reed Terrell, Bryton Lambright, Tripp Terrell, Sadie Lambright, Sophie Lambright, 2 greatgrandchildren Paisley Lambright, and Skylar Lambright. He is survived by 2 sisters Eloise H. VanVoorhis of Bellevue, Nebraska, Nola E. Terrell of Fort Sumner, 4 brothers Thomas R. Terrell (Delores) of Oklahoma, Johnny Bob Terrell of Space Port, NM, Monty G. Terrell, and Richard H. Terrell (Betty) both of Fort Sumner, NM. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 6 pm, Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Chavez Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Church on The Hill in Fort Sumner with Pastor Richard Terrell officiating. Interment will follow in Garden of Memory at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Derrick Terrell, Caleb Terrell, Cory Terrell, Jake Terrell, Thomas Terrell, Reed Terrell, Tripp Terrell, and Bryton Lambright. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mark VanVoorhis, Wayne VanVoorhis, Kevin Terrell, Shawn Whatley, Scott Terrell, and the coffee drinking club.

In lieu of flowers, our family respectfully requests donations to the Fort Sumner Senior Citizens Center, PO Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM 88119. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.