Hugh Anson Tolman

Hugh Anson Tolman, 84, longtime resident of Deming passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11 o’clock in the morning at Mountain View Cemetery. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.

Hugh was born in Cottonwood, Arizona to Hugh and Claudia Tolman. He was raised most of his life in Deming, NM. Hugh met his wife when he was 14 years old and went to work on her family’s dairy. He married Louise Smyer on June 12, 1953 and their journey of life together began. He joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in England, when he returned, he came home to his first-born Dee Tolman. He went on to become an autobody man and was a master at his craft. People came from all over to have him paint their cars. He and Louise had 3 more children, Ray, Leslie and Shelly. He was a man that always stood by his word and believed a hand shake was better than a contract. He raised 4 children and 3 grandchildren and built his family a very nice home with his own 2 hands. It took him 5 years to build, but he did it and it was his pride and joy. He handed his craft down to his sons and taught his grandson Russell the love of cars also. He never forgot the people that helped him and was always available for his family and friends. He never took a handout in all his years and worked for what he had. He couldn’t believe what this world has come to. He made the statement many times before his death that the world today is making people lazy, he believed until his last breath that you should work for your food and home, and work to support your family, not be provided for by government handouts.

His family left to carry on are his 3 children, Ray (Cindy) Tolman of Deming, Leslie (Jake) Montroy of Pagosa Springs, CO and Shelly Borde of Las Cruces; his grandchildren: Brannon (Barbara) Tolman of Pueblo, CO, Arlie (Rick) Barrio of Las Cruces, Russell (Jessica) Borde of Las Cruces, Riley Tolman of Deming, Trever Tolman of Phoenix, AZ, Jessica Tolman of Las Cruces, Ryan (Jori) Montroy of Mancos, CO, Chelsea (John) Vanderwagon of Belen, NM; as well as 7 great-grandchildren, Zoey and Zane Barrio, McKinzey Anthony Tolman, Wyatt Vanderwagon, Taylor Tolman, Traycer and Trevyn Montroy, and one on the way, Brynlee Montroy.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Hugh and Claudia Tolman, his wife, Louise and their son, Dee Tolman.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hugh Anson Tolman, please visit our floral store.