Merrell Tidwell

Memorial services are scheduled at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at West Main Baptist Church for Merrell E. Tidwell of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Tidwell, 88, died Monday, February 27, 2012 at Heartland Nursing Center in Artesia.

Alan Gardenhire will officiate at the services with a graveside at Twin Oaks Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Letcher, Brandon Devine, Cale Gardenhire, Jim Devine, Ronny Tice,Ronnie Letcher, Dennis Tidwell, Barney Green, Vernon Laman, J.R.Houghtaling, Bill Sanders, Cecil Laman, Willie McCasland.

Merrell was born March 14, 1923 in Avis, New Mexico the son of Seth Stiles Tidwell and Erma Irene Roberts Tidwell. After being raised in Pinion, he was a lifelong Artesia area resident.

He served his country in the United Stated Army during World War II and was a recepient of the Purple Heart.

On Dec. 20, 1948 he was married to Patricia Dougherty in Artesia.

Merrell was a Truck Driver and a member of Cornerstone Fellowship.

He was preceded by his parents, three brothers and a sister.

Survivors include his wife Patricia Tidwell of the family home daughters Garilyn Devine and husband Jim of Artesia, Denise Bryant of Artesia, and Melissa Gardenhire and husband Alan of Rockdale, TX brother Clyde Tidwell and wife Lake of Artesia grandchildren Brandon Devine, Leslie Devine, Ryan Letcher, Cale Gardenhire, Hannah Gardenhire, and Amy Gardenhire greatgrandchildren Josh Devine, Kaitlyn Devine, Jake Devine, and Braxton Letcher.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Wall Project CO Artesia MainStreet, PO Box 1635, Artesia 88211 Tierra Blanca Youth Ranch in Demming, N.M. the Artesia Paws and Claws or charity of your choice. .