Dearman, Gary and Debbie

Leo County Families and Histories, "Then and Now" Vol II, 1984

Submitted by: Deborah Reed Dearmam

     I was born in Lovington, New Mexico on February 28, 1948. My parents are Beth and Jimmy Reed, who have lived in Loving since 1944 and 1945, respectively, and who own Reed Welding Service. My grandparents are Marvin and Georgia Jackson and Jim and Mamie Reed. Grandma Jackson is very special to me. She has recently moved tpo Monahans and we are enjoying her so close. I have one brother, Clifton, who lives in Menero, New Mexico and one sister Kathleen, who lives in Lovington. My aunt, Tommye Oldfield, and my biece, Leigh Jennings, and nephews, Pete and Lonnie Dee Jennings also live in Lovington.

     I attended Lovington Schools for 12 years graduating with the class of 1966. Lovington was a good place to grow up. I was a member of the band, the National Honor Society, the Order of Rainbow Girls, the youth council for the Youth Center and was active in youth activities at the First Methodist Church.

     Gary Ray Dearman and I were married on March 28, 1970. He was born September 9, 1947, in Seminole , Texas. His parents, Jim and Aline Dearman, still live there.

     We moved to Monahans, Texas on July 6, 1971. It was 110 degrees the day we moved and the real estate agent had neglected to tell us there wouldn't be an air conditioner. By the end of the day, I certainly thought that I had made a big mistake by leaving New Mexico. However, I I have learned to enjoy being a "transplanted" Texan. Texans do have one bad habit of saying: "Mexico" when they mean New Mexico. I am always quick to correct them.

     Our daughter, Angela Kristene, was born December 11, 1966 in Lovington. She is a Sophomore at Monahans High School and a proud member the the Monahans Big Green Band. She plays flute and Oboe and is a member of the symphonic and Regional Bands. She is an honor student and plays on varsity tennis.

     Our son, Donavon Ray, was born June 4, 1977, in Odessa Texas. He is a student at Cullender Kindergarten. He is asthmatic and spends a lot of time at home. He takes it all in stride and usually manages to keep us all very busy.

     Gary works for CommuniCable of Texas. I am a homemaker, cook, laundress, maid. taxi driver and all the other things that are part of raising an active family. I enjoy cooking, sewing and crafts.

     The Texas weather is generally warmer than New Mexico. The winters are mild. The only bad part id tornado season. After being in the tornado we had here in 1977, I am a confirmed cloud weather!

     My parents worked hard making their family. While raising our family now, I am remained of many times of the phrase; "You pay for your raising." I really appreciate now the things they did for me, the sacrifices they made and the values they taught me. My grandparents had a big influence on me too. They always had time for their grandchildren and taught us all many valuable lessons.

     I consider Lea County my home and am very proud that I grew up there. I have many fond memories of Lovington and always look forward to "going home."