Thomas Meadows

Thomas Meadows, 82, of Estancia, NM passed away September 11, 2006 at his home in Estancia. Thomas was born September 3, 1924 in Albuquerque, NM. He attended school in Estancia and later served in the United States Army for two years, stationed in Tokyo, Japan. Once he was discharged, he moved to the ranch where he farmed and ranched during the drought in the early 50’s, Thomas and his wife Geneva drove a truck for Harllee Townsend, hauling feed from Tucumcari and Melrose to their ranch in Torrance County, grinding the feed on their ranch and hauling the sacked feed to the Wilson and Harrington ranches in West Central New Mexico. Thomas also trucked Milo from Tucumcari to Tempe, Arizona and hauled back feed for sale in the Townsend Feed Store in Estancia. Thomas also bought a baler and did custom hay baling during the late 1950’s and 1960’s. This past June marked the 100th anniversary of operation for the family ranch that his parents homesteaded south west of Estancia in 1906. Thomas lived to see a record year of 16 inches of rain fall on the ranch and was very proud and thankful to God for this. Thomas was a Torrance County commissioner, serving four years in the mid 1960’s when the Torrance County courthouse was built. A plaque on the courthouse shows these whom he served with during that term. Thomas also served 18 years on the Estancia School board serving when the new high school was built. A plaque in the high school lists those whom served with him during that school term. He served 20 years on the Torrance County ASCS Committee, now known as Farm Service Agency with the USDA. He enjoyed hikes in Manzano Mountains to the Bosque and Saddle to see the fall leaves. Homemade pineapple cream pie was his request for each birthday. Anytime Willie Nelson was on TV he made a point to take time and enjoy the performance. Raising “Hereford Cattle” was his greatest enjoyment. Thomas is survived by his wife of 56 years, Geneva, his son John; his daughter, Sandra; his son-in-law Kit Cornelius and his granddaughter Kristen. A Private Services was held September 13, 2006 at there ranch where he was laid to rest. His honesty and wise decision making will be forever remembered. Arrangements entrusted to the