Earl Ray Forehand

Earl Ray Forehand, 84, of East Cherry Lane, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away November 7, 2012. There will be no visitaiton, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2012, 11:00 AM, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan Boyd officiating. Masonic Service will be performed by Eddy Lodge # 21 AF&AM. A Lodge of Sorrow will convene at 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Eddy 21, 513 N. Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Earl Ray Forehand was born April 2, 1928 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Elmer and Frances (Etter) Forehand. He played Cavemen football which won state his senior year, he graduated in 1946. Earl Ray received a bachelors degree from New Mexico A & M in 1950. His first job was teaching on the farm training for veterans. Earl Ray married Mary Lynn Moody on February 23, 1953 here in Carlsbad. He went on to teach 5th grade for over 20 years. In spite of his teaching career, Earl Ray continued his love for ranching by continuing the ranching operation his great-grandfather established in 1890. Through all his endeavors, he was also an accomplished author in writing a history book of the Forehand family which is titled "The River Calls". He has been involved in such organizations as the Southeastern New Mexico Historical Society, the Eddy County Sheriff's Posse, the Eddy County Fair Board, Cotton Growers, Inc., and the Eddy County Farm Bureau. He served as president of the Museum Board in Las Cruces, which built the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, and served on the museum's board of directors. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, B.P.O.Elks Lodge # 1558 and New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. Earl Ray and Mary Lynn thoroughly enjoyed their many travels though out their life together. He had a love for animals. Earl Ray also enjoyed taking Mark hunting and fishing. All of his friends thought he was always a true gentleman. Earl Ray will be greatly missed by his community and family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife, Mary Lynn Forehand; son, Mark Lee Forehand and wife, Jeanne of Carlsbad, NM; grandson, Andrew Levi Forehand of San Angelo, TX; granddaughter, Beth LeAnn Forehand of San Angelo, TX; sister, Charlotte Albright and husband, Marvin of Carlsbad, NM and numerous extended family. The family would like to thank the staff at Goodlife for the great care given during the last six months of Earl Ray's life. Memorial contributions may be made to Landsun Homes-Caring Hands, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220 or Noah's Ark, 5217 Buena Vista, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.