Gerald Edmund Harrington

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Jesus Christ called Gerald Edmund Harrington home. He passed away peacefully in Midland, Texas, surrounded by his family.

A memorial service celebrating Gerald’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Roswell, New Mexico. In a private ceremony, Gerald will be laid to rest in the columbarium at First United Methodist Church in Roswell.

Gerald – known to many as “Gerri” – was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a steadfast man of faith, and the true patriarch of his family.

He was born on August 8, 1929, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Thomas and Dorothy Harrington. At a young age, his family moved to Corrales, New Mexico, where Gerald was raised in Casa Vieja, one of the oldest homes in the state. Those early years rooted him deeply in New Mexico, a place he would always call home.

Gerald graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in petroleum geology and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Through providence and circumstance, he was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, where he served as a surveyor contributing to canal construction. He and his beloved wife, Patricia, moved to Panama City as newlyweds, cherishing two formative years filled with adventure, friendships, and memories that would be retold for generations.

Gerald and Patt celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary just three days before his passing.

Upon returning to the United States, Gerald began his oil and gas career in the Rocky Mountains, working for ARCO and Northwest Pipeline. He and Patt lived in Moab, Utah; Casper, Wyoming; and Farmington, New Mexico. In 1959, their lives were forever changed when they adopted twin daughters, Jan and Judy. In 1963, they adopted a son, Ron, and settled permanently in Roswell, New Mexico.

Gerald worked for several oil and gas operators before transitioning into consulting geology in 1980. He made multiple significant geological discoveries in the Permian Basin. In the early 1980s, he co-founded Zia Data Search with Brad Jeffers and the late Roy Hunter, providing production data for the San Juan Basin. In 1990, he became an operator himself, forming Llano Land & Exploration. Gerald continued working daily until the age of 93 – driven by curiosity, discipline, and love for his work.

Throughout his career, Gerald was deeply involved in the industry. He served as President of the Southwest Section of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists in 1993, was named the 2001 Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico Member of the Year and was an active member of the New Mexico Landmen’s Association. He also served multiple terms as President of the Roswell Geological Society.

Beyond industry leadership, Gerald devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to the NEED Project (National Energy Education Development), teaching students across New Mexico about the role of oil and gas in the state’s economy.

Gerald was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Roswell for over 60 years, where he served as both deacon and elder. His faith was steady, lived out through service, and displayed by action.

From the earliest days of their marriage, Gerald and Patt shared a deep love for swing and square dancing. On the dance floor, Gerald’s energy stood in striking contrast to his gentle nature – a joy to all who watched.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Patricia Harrington; his children, Jan Albrecht of Levelland, Texas; Judy Johnson and her husband Jerry of Wolforth, Texas; and Ron Harrington and his wife Lara of Midland, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Caitlin Krause of Los Angeles, California; Heather Harper and her husband Ike of Lubbock, Texas; Brantley Harrington and his wife Katy of Midland, Texas; Peyton Harrington of Midland, Texas; and Ashley Albrecht of Roswell, New Mexico; as well as six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandson, John Albrecht.

Gerald was one of six children. He is survived by his brothers, Eugene Harrington of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Scott Harrington and his wife Krysha of Oakland, California. He was preceded in death by Terry Harrington, Jim Harrington, Joan Chappell, and Chris Harrington.

Gerald Harrington was the embodiment of unconditional love. Through quiet action and constant care, he showed his family, friends, and community what it meant to live faithfully, generously, and kindly. He never left anyone out in the cold. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will endure through the lives he touched.

Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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