Ervin Spurlin

Odell Spurlin joined his beautiful wife in heaven on September 6, 2022.
Odell was born on June 7, 1936, to Elmer Odell Spurlin and Gladys Spurlin in Haskell, Texas.
Odell and his family made their way from Texas to Carlsbad, NM where his parents owned and operated Black River Village just outside of Carlsbad. On that land they ranched, had milk cows, as well as the Spurlin Dairy. Odell had an unfortunate accident on the ranch when he found an undetonated bomb from a military practice range also located on his parents' property. The bomb sounded like it has BB's in it and Odell wanted them for his BB gun so he hit the bomb on a rock and it detonated. His burns were severe and kept him out of school for a year. He attended NMMI (New Mexico Military Institute) and graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1955.
Ranching and running a Dairy were not an interest to Odell, He wanted to join the military so he could go to college on the GI Bill. Odell's love of airplanes took him to the Airforce where he was accepted but due to some injuries suffered from his ranch accident, he was unable to fly for the Air Force. Instead, he joined the Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, Hawaii and Japan and served as a dental assistant while playing football for the Navy.
Odell returned to Carlsbad after leaving the Navy and met and married his wife, Patty in 1960. Odell and Patty had their first son, Eddy in Carlsbad and moved the family to Roswell where Odell began going to night school and started an insurance agency. During this time, their second son Pat and daughter Mandy were adopted, and Patty's sister Susan became a member of the family.
From Insurance Agent to Commercial Developer Odell led the family back to Carlsbad where he had a successful career building shopping centers all over the country. Wanting to slow down a bit in the 80's, Odell, Patty and Mandy moved to Ruidoso where he developed land closer to home and even opened a video and photo business.
Many people knew the business side of Odell, few saw the extremely generous and caring side of him. This side was shown the most with his grandkids. To them he was Podie. He was ornery, always teasing, always buying and selling cars, and pushing others to be the best they can be. He was a consistent light in their lives.
He had a true passion for flying and although he did not fly for the military, he flew for himself and his business for many many years. He made countless flights that took him to Mexico where he and Patty had a home and a wonderful group of friends for over 25 years.
Odell was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Patty, in January. He is survived by his Son, Eddy Spurlin and wife Jill of Albuquerque, NM, Son, Pat Spurlin and wife LeiRonna of Kyle, TX, Daughter, Mandy Mader and husband David of Ruidoso, NM, granddaughter, Stevie Spurlin of Colorado Springs, Colorado, granddaughter, McKinsie Rutherford and husband Corban of Murfreesboro, TN, grandson, Eric Spurlin, of Albuquerque, NM, granddaughter, Hannah Mader of Las Cruces, NM, grandson Joshua Mader of Las Cruces, NM, great-grandson, Connor Rutherford of Murfreesboro, TN, sister-in-law, Susan Dade and husband Randy of Artesia, NM, along with many loved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Mount Saturday, Oct 1, 2022, at 2:00. There will be a reception with Odell's favorite treats following in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Mount in Ruidoso, or charity of your choice.