Aaron ""Tom"" Thomas Vannatter

Aaron "Tom" Vannatter, 77, of S. 4th St., Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away February 11, 2011 at his home. Visitation will be Monday, February 14, 2011, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Graveside services are scheduled for Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 10:00 AM, at Loving Cemetery with Pastor Jimmy Tarvin officiating. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Aaron "Tom" Vannatter was born May 30, 1933 in Fayetteville, West Virginia to John and Alma (Lewis) Vannatter. After graduating he served his country in the US Army. Tom served in Germany and received several honors including German Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a NATO Ribbon. He worked for National Potash and NM Potash a total of 30 years. Tom served as Union President while working for National Potash. He was also a member of Police Reserves where he was Lieutant and a member of the Naval Reserve. Tom was also a member of the VFW, American Legion and NRA. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Johnny Vannatter, Herman Vannatter, Carlos Vannatter and Leon Vannatter, sisters Norma Kesterson and Irene Bradarick. Tom is survived by Pat Vannatter, children Kathy Shreve and husband, Tim of Carlsbad, NM, Janet Wilson and husband, David of Cassville, MO, Sharon Smith and husband, Wade of Carlsbad, NM, Tommy Vannatter of Carlsbad, NM and Anna Tarvin and husband, Jimmy of Loving, NM; grandchildren ;Tim, Jr., Aaron, Jessica, Jeff, Brandy, April, Beverly, Candice, Tyson, Todd, Chelsea, Caleb, Jimmy II and Amy; 20 great-grandchildren and sister Jan Toney and husband, Sam of Richwood, WV. Pallbearers will be grandsons Tim Shreve, Jr., Aaron Shreve, Jeff Wilson, Todd Vannatter, Caleb Vannatter and Jimmy Tarvin, II. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE #300, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.