Herb Whatley

Herb Whatley, 92, of Westridge Road, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 at Landsun Homes. There will be no visitation, cremation will take place. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 1:00 PM, at Landsun Homes Otto Chapel with Chaplain Larry Krueger officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Herb Whatley was born December 18, 1919 in Goodpine, Louisiana to Fielding and Lillian (Roark) Whatley. The family moved to Roswell in 1924 where he graduated from high school. Herb graduated from NMSU. He married Bernice "Boots" Millard on November 16, 1945 in Lake Arthur, NM. Herb served his country during WWII. He was one of the last surviving members of the 104th Infantry Division of the US Army. After the war, Herb returned and began teaching in Elida, NM. He later taught in Raton and returned to Lake Arthur where he served as superintendant. Herb later became superintendant of the Loving Schools before moving to Carlsbad in 1970, where he worked in administration until retiring in 1984. He was a member of Elks Lodge BPOE # 1558, Masonic Lodge, NEA, Rotary Club, Lions Club and AARP. Herb's hobbies included fishing, chess and reading. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Boots Whatley; son, John Whatley; daughter, Sharon Fiala Walker and one brother. Survivors are his daughter, Merrellee Moore and husband, Dan of Carlsbad, NM; six grandchildren: Danielle Allen and husband, Todd of Carlsbad, NM, Robert, Cynthia and Darol Fiala, Alex and Neil Whatley; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Landsun Homes, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.