Hershel "Bettle" Graham

Hershel "Beetle" Graham, 78, of Carlsbad, N.M., passed away Oct. 26, 2015 at Mt. View Hospital in Las Cruces, N.M.

A graveside service took place Friday at Carlsbad Cemetery Gazebo with long dear family friends, Pastor Don Neighbors and Pastor Michael Lee officiating.

Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard provided military honors.

Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Hershel "Beetle" Graham was born March 5, 1937 in Atoka County, Okla. to Troy and Charlesie (Price) Graham. He graduated from high school in Savanna, Okla. in 1956 and married Katie Smith June 9 that same year in Carlsbad N.M. he served in the National Guard from 1954 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1963. He worked at the potash mines as a beltline foreman retiring in 1991.

Graham was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He loved sharing his adventures and stories with family and friends. He never turned down the opportunity to watch the Cowboys and Lakers. Above all, his biggest joy in life was his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers and one sister.

Survivors are his wife, Katie Graham of Carlsbad, N.M.; son Tommy Graham of Green River; daughters Glenda Grubbs and husband, Don of Las Cruces, N.M., Carolyn Williams and husband, Keith of Windom, Texas; nephews Jerry Graham and wife, Donna of Carlsbad, N.M., Jeff Graham and wife, Maggie of Carlsbad, N.M., Zachary Graham and wife, Diana of Albuquerque; grandchildren Shaun, Brandon, Jill, Lyndsey, Katie, Jamie, Ashley, Austin, Tiffany, Tyrie, Taylor, Amber, Kristin and Randy; 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Williams, Shaun Paneral, Zachary Graham, Austin Graham, Jerry Graham, Don Grubbs, Keith Williams and Jeff Graham.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 9500 Montgomery NE, Suite 121, Albuquerque, N.M. 87111.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.