Robert Walls

Robert Arthur (RA) Walls passed away on February 4, 2025, in Artesia, New Mexico, at the age of 78.

RA was born on December 25, 1946, in Kermit, Texas, to William Arthur "Doc" and Allie Faye Walls. He grew up in Jal, New Mexico, and graduated from Jal High School in 1964. Shortly after graduation, he became a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. He then attended ENMU, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science. RA worked for several years as a field engineer for Schlumberger doing wireline logging. In 1984, he met his wife, Gayle, and they were married on February 28, 1985. They moved to Artesia in 1987, where they made their home until his passing.

RA had many hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid amateur radio operator, building antennas and making contacts around the world, including the International Space Station. He enjoyed hunting and fishing from a young age and often shared funny stories about the adventures he had during those trips. He also loved gardening and relished the fruits and vegetables he and Gayle canned. Later in life, he developed a keen interest in ancestry and dedicated much time to discovering his family roots.

RA was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Nelda (Walls) Shipman, half-brothers John William Walls and Carldean Walls, and their wives. Also his sister-in-laws Lynda Walls and Beth Goad.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gayle (Shockey) Walls; his son, William S. Walls; and his stepson, Jamin D Gerdes. He is also survived by his brothers, Gayland Walls and Roy Walls, sister-in-law Teresa Hartnett and husband Kieth, and brother-in-law Gary Goad along with several nephews, cousins, and two step-grandchildren, Jordan and Josiah Gerdes.

Memorial gifts can be made to Lakeview Christian Home in Carlsbad, NM or your favorite charity.

A memorial service will be held at Terpening and Son Mortuary on February 25, 2025, at 10 AM. At a later date, his final resting place will be at Cooper Cemetery in Jal, New Mexico.