Tommy Aten

Tommy Gerald Aten, 78, of Hobbs, New Mexico, left this world peacefully on December 26, 2017 in his sleep, the day after Christmas. A military salute and service will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at 2pm at the Prairie Haven Memorial Park Chapel in Hobbs.

Tommy, or Tom as many called him, was born on August 26, 1939 in Kermit, Texas to parents, Rufus Sherman Aten & Beatrice Anna Aten. He is survived by his sister and brother n'law, Patsy & Archie Cunningham of Lovington & preceded in death by brothers Billy Aten, Kenneth Aten and Bill Tims. Also preceding him in death is wife, Ruthelaine Durham Aten and daughter Crystal Dawn Aten. He is survived by their children, son & daughter n'law Sherman & Tammy Aten of Granbury, Texas & grandchildren, Josh & Brooke Aten; son & daughter n'law Charlie & Deborah Aten of Lubbock with her children, Jonathan & Analissa, grandsons, Austin & Atley Treat, & granddaughter, Brittney Elaine Treat; and by daughter & son n'law, Marletta & David Kemp of Hobbs with grandsons, Justin, Cody & Cameron. He is survived by present wife, June Hardy Aten with sons & daughter n'laws Rusty & Kerry Hardy, grandchildren Colton, Mason & Raegan; son & daughter n'law Larry & Mary Maypole with granddaughter April, great granddaughter Eanna Foster;
son & daughter n'law Jim Bob & Stephanie Hardy with grandchildren Briton and D'nae Robinette.

Tommy moved from Kermit to Hobbs when just a boy and attended Houston Jr. High and graduated from Hobbs High School in 1957. He served in the Army from 1959-1962 as a helicopter mechanic stationed in Germany and served in the Reserves until 1965. He was proud to be known not only as a husband & a dad but an army veteran. He has become a favorite during the Memorial Day festivities and the Veterans Day parade in Lea County and has placed flags personally on every veteran's grave for the last several years during Memorial Day Celebration at Prairie Haven Cemetery. Tommy loved wood working and has sold or given away his crosses, birdhouses, semi-trucks, picture frames, etc. to many who know him. Because of his passion for his country and those who served alongside him, the family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be given to the Wounded Warrior Project which may be done online at woundedwarriorproject.org in honor of Tom Aten.

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