Thomas Jackson "TJ" Walraven

Thomas Jackson "TJ"  Walraven, 59 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away at his home on Thursday, October 22, 2026 following an illness. TJ was born April 06, 1967 in Mountainair, NM to the home of Jack and Sarah (Duncan) Walraven. TJ was raised in Fort Sumner, and attended Fort Sumner Schools. He graduated with the FSHS class of 1985.

TJ went to college and earned his Associate Degree in Building Trades from  NMSU- Dona Ana. TJ worked for Plateau Telephone Cooperative for 28 years and retired in 2024. Retirement didn't suit TJ, and he went to work for the DeBaca County Road Department. TJ also enjoyed hobby farming and ranching. 

TJ married the love of his life, Lisa McRee on December 20, 1991 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Together they raised their two children Kyla and Wade in Fort Sumner. TJ was a loving husband and father who enjoyed the time they spent together as a family. 

TJ was a member of the Fellowship Methodist Church. He served many years on the  WRCA Ranch Rodeo Committee and Fort Sumner Irrigation Board. 

TJ enjoyed watching old Westerns, and was a big history buff. He liked to attend and watch rodeos. He always had a project going, or something he was tinkering with. But most of all TJ loved being Papa TJ or "Papa JJ" to his grandkids. 

TJ is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Sarah Walraven, and his in-laws Frank and Phyllis McRee. Survivors include his wife of 34 years Lisa Walraven of the family home in Fort Sumner, two children Kyla Fleming of Carlsbad, NM and Wade (Samantha) Walraven of Malaga, NM, grandchildren Carsyn "Fred" Fleming, Wyatt and Hudson Walraven, Alexis Fleming, Anthony Fleming, and August Fleming. He is also survived by three sisters Sherry (Burke) Healey, Rena Wilson, and Beth Walraven, one sister-in-law Miki (Steve) Dimitroff, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Viewing will be held from 2pm to 6pm on  Thursday, October 29, 2026 at the Chavez Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 30, 2026 at the Fellowship Methodist Church, Fort Sumner NM with Pastor Marvin Pounds officiating. 

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

Please keep the Walraven family in your prayers. You may sign the online guest book, share a favorite memory or leave a note of condolence for his family at www.chavezfuneralhome.com