Gary Tom Cothran, 84 of Lovington, NM, passed away on May 30th, 2022. A memorial gathering will be scheduled for family and friends at a date to be determined.
Gary was born on August 10th, 1937 in Hobbs, NM to parents GT and Johnnie Pauline Cothran and he had one older sibling, Joyce Ann. Gary graduated from Hobbs High School in 1955, then went on to attend ENMU where he completed a BS in Industrial Arts and an MS in Education. Gary was an athlete playing football in high school, served as a life guard in college. He also served in the Army National Guard.
Gary married his high school sweetheart, Minnie Lora Province in 1958 and they had one son Gary Bradley Cothran. They lived in Portales NM until both Minnie and Gary finished college then they lived in Clovis NM for a short time, returned to Hobbs, NM for a few years then settled in Lovington NM in 1968 where they lived out the rest of their lives.
Gary developed a passion for golf soon after moving to Lovington and he and Minnie became very active members at Lovington Country Club. They loved dancing and were always ready to go jitterbug when tournaments and other social events included dances. Gary retired from the Oil and Gas industry at 78 and he continued to play golf well after his 84th birthday.
He is survived by his son Gary B and wife Vonda Jillene, granddaughter Valerie Jade and husband Kyle Roberts, granddaughter Callie Jillene and husband Matthew Deming, and grandson Geoffrey Thomas Cothran. Gary was preceded in death by his wife Minnie, his parents, GT and Polly, his sister Joyce Banister.
The family would like to thank the staff at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, TX, Encompass Health in Midland, TX, Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, TX, and Midland Medical Lodge in Midland, TX, for caring for Gary Tom in his final weeks and days.
In lieu of flowers the family would ask that you make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice or to Lovington High School Golf Team.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
