Vernon Haldeman

Memorial Services are scheduled for Tuesday, March 21st at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church for Vernon R. Haldeman, "Boss Man" to many who knew him, of Artesia, NM. Burial will follow at Woodbine Cemetery.

Monty Leavell and David Prell will officiate the service. Pallbearers are Steve Lewis, Charles Haldeman, Royce Pearson, Owen Lyles, Chuck Morgan, Harold Green, Mike Welch, and Murnie Cauhape. Honorary Pallbearers are Phillip Baumgardner, Clarence Connor, Sonny Watts, Tom Brown, Ramon Ibanez, Mack Chase, Mel Runyan, Joel Bell, Jeff Bell, Ken Aaron, Bill Mershon, Oscar Sanchez, Jimmy Moreau, Steve Haines, and Rance Miles.

Mr. Haldeman, 85, passed away at Artesia General Hospital in the early hours of March 18, 2017.

Boss Man, a true Artesian, was born on November 9, 1931 in Artesia, NM, in the house he presently lived in, to W. T. Haldeman and Vernie (Campbell) Haldeman. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1951 and married Virginia (Green) Haldeman on July 22, 1951. Vernon attended ENMU Portales and Texas Western (now UTEP) in El Paso and graduated in 1955 with a degree in Biology. Post graduation, he returned to the family farm to farm with his father. During the next 60 years, he touched many lives and blessed the community with his exceptional passion and ability for producing fresh produce, alfalfa, and cotton. The Haldeman Farms produce stand opened in the late 70's where Vernon and his family grew and sold his famous green chile, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and other well-requested produce. Haldeman Farms employed many people in and around the Artesia area. Along with the farm, he raised cattle, sheep, horses, and goats throughout his lifetime; he loved all animals, and they equally loved him. Vernon was an extraordinary athlete who held the high school state record in high jump for numerous years and was named an all-district and all-state running back for the Artesia Bulldogs. He attended college on a track scholarship and played college football. He continued to share his athletic ability with his family by participating in their weekly volleyball games on the farm. He was an avid mentor, not only to his family and friends, but also to his family's friends and employees. Vernon was an ornery, intelligent, gentle, and caring man who thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, cooking, and watching the Artesia Bulldogs and Dallas Cowboys. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and Masonic Lodge. Most importantly, Vernon was a genuine example of a provider who greatly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in ways that will always be cherished and admired. His legacy will live on through his family, friends, and all whom he treated like his own.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, W. T. & Vernie Haldeman, his mother and father-in-law, F. L. & Elizabeth Green, a son, Daniel Haldeman, an infant son, Robert Haldeman, brothers Victor and Vance Haldeman, and sister Vivian Tidwell.

He is survived by his wife Virginia of the family home, son Richard & Silvia Haldeman, daughters Sarah & Rick Gromatzky and Susan & Baron Chandler, grandchildren Jessica Parker, Brandon & Suzzy Haldeman, Kelsey & Jason Starnes, and Brooke & Clark Driver, great grandchildren Croix & Cason Haldeman and Jase, Atley & soon-to-be Lawson Starnes, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Lodge #1717 of Artesia scholarship fund (PO Box 1271, Artesia, NM 88210) and Paws & Claws of Artesia (PO Box 807, Artesia, NM 88210).

Visitation

Terpening Son Mortuary
611 W. Grand Ave.
Artesia, NM  88210
Monday, March 20, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Services

First United Methodist Church
500 W. Grand Ave.
Artesia, NM  88210
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Woodbine Cemetery
200 E. Hermosa Drive
Artesia, NM  88210