Orman J. Hubbard Jr.

On August 1, 1936, in dusty Midland, Texas, the world was forever changed by the birth of Orman J. Hubbard Jr. to O.J. Hubbard and Carrie P. Flynt Hubbard. The little boy forever in cowboy boots, who rode his pony, Powderpuff, would go on to define his life with a love for others and servant heart. He was the baby of the family, looking up to his big sister Norma Jean Boles and cousins Sonny Flynt and Tela Flynt Chancellor. In school, he played basketball, football and track as a Midland High Bulldog, graduating in 1954.  Following graduation, Orman attended Texas Tech University, where he and his friends spent many college days driving around in their shared yellow and green polka-dot hearse. Deciding to follow his passion for geology, he graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

In 1958, smitten with love, Orman snuck away and eloped with his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Louise Skidmore, in Fort Stockton. For the next 70 years, they rarely left each other’s side. Their love tripled with the birth of their daughters, Staci, Paige and Amy.  Orman moved his family to Denver in 1962, where he taught his girls how to be rodeo queens and important life lessons like juggling, kicking the ceiling, unicycle riding and other key survival skills. By 1980, the Hubbard family found their way back to Midland, where Orman worked as a landman and went on to train many friends.  His home always had an open door, whether it was for someone in need or an animal looking for shelter. He raised many animals, like goats, rabbits, peacocks, miniature donkeys, emus, and geese. He nursed countless injured birds back to health and helped deliver several baby animals, including Amen, the goat.

A supporter of the YMCA, he had many fond memories playing basketball, training with friends for the fifteen marathons he ran, and attending Paige’s workout classes with Bonnie. He was an active member at Holy Trinity Church, serving on the vestry and bringing his donkeys as special guests. He could often be found with his coat pockets brimming with candy for his grandkids or, most likely, his own sweet tooth! Bonnie and Orman also had a Meals on Wheels route for over 36 years. They made several wonderful friendships and frequently had their children and grandchildren tag along.

A favorite memory of his grandkids was seeing their grandad as a skinny Santa in black cowboy boots bringing Christmas smiles (and a few tears) to children and families at the Museum of the Southwest and the Midland Soup Kitchen. He truly loved everyone and would give his time and care to anyone in need. His family is grateful to have witnessed his life, and they take it upon their shoulders to serve others as well as he did. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, their three daughters: Staci Hubbard (Ann Jinkins) of Austin, Texas, Carrie Paige Gates (late Mike Gates) of Midland, Texas, Amy Mullen (Chris Mullen) of Charleston, West Virginia. Orman and Bonnie have seven grandchildren: Carrie Gates Hawkins, Wheatley Gates Scaling, John Russ Hubbard, Layne Hubbard Picos, Payton Mullen Davis, Caroline Mildred Mullen and Claire Hubbard Mullen. They also have five great grandchildren: Corinne Hubbard Hawkins, Paige Grantham Hawkins, Carrie Mae Castles Scaling, Gates Joseph Scaling and Andrew James Picos Jr. and many loving nieces and nephews. Orman’s reunion with Jesus and his family and friends in heaven will be a joyful one!!

We would like to express our gratitude to Pat Sledge, Mary Peña, Lourdes Olivares, Maria Madrid, Stephanie Gonzales and all those who have made his life as full as possible.

In honor of our favorite boot-scootin’ cowboy, we invite you to wear your boots as we celebrate Orman’s life this week. The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 5-7pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 1pm at Holy Trinity Church, followed by a burial at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Orman would be honored by a donation to Meals on Wheels, the Midland YMCA, Holy Trinity Church, Holy Trinity Preschool or charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Heart to Heart Hospice and their staff for their compassionate care and support.

Arrangements are 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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