Delmer Chambers

Delmer Dwayne Nicholas Chambers

Delmer Dwayne Nicholas Chambers, age 87, of Hagerman, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Delmer was born on June 8, 1936, on a farm south of Tomah to James LeRoy and Agatha (Gottsacker) Chambers. Delmer was the second youngest of thirteen children. At the age of three, Delmer and his family moved to a farm in Valley Junction, Wisconsin. Delmer attended the one room schoolhouse across from the family farm with his brothers and sisters. Farm life was not easy during the Great Depression. Delmer grew up in a modest home that offered many opportunities for arduous work and no modern amenities. Delmer and his youngest sister Eileen had a special relationship from the time she was born.

Delmer left home at an early age to explore out west. Delmer spent time in South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Delmer worked as a wildcatter in the Oil Fields. He was proud of his work and enjoyed showing family and friends how the oil fields operated. Delmer and his wildcatter friends ran into John Wayne one night in a bar. John Wayne bought them all a round of drinks while arm wrestling. Delmer also worked on ranches as a farm hand tending to the cattle, riding horses wearing cowboy hat and boots. Delmer was a self-taught carpenter and was always remodeling or building something.

In 1963, Delmer met and married Anna Mae Schoenrock in South Dakota. To this marriage, two sons, Doug and Kevin were born. They divorced. In 1983, Delmer met and married Beverly Ann Antone in Wisconsin. To this marriage, a son Todd was born. They divorced.

In 1988, met and married the love of his life, Carole Ann (Bailey) Kohls in Warrens, Wisconsin. Carole and Delmer moved to Hagerman, New Mexico in 1993 to fulfill their dream of having a homestead and many animals. They bought a small piece of property and built their dream ranch. They enjoyed sharing their home with family and friends who visited. Delmer and Carole had quite the accomplishments building their ranch. They cleared cactuses, build a cabin, bunkhouse, barn and all the outer buildings on their property. He dug in this New Mexico hard soil putting up fences, water lines, and septic systems which is strenuous task. They had chickens, goats, rabbits, dogs, cats, donkey, and horses. They were happily married for 34 years until Carole’s passing in November of last year.

Delmer’s granddaughter Maggie brought Delmer’s new grandson Jaxon to visit him this past May. Delmer enjoyed their visit, meeting Jaxon and very much wanted to accomplish prior to going to be with his wife.

Delmer had a strong belief in God. He and Carole enjoyed attending church together at Church on the Move in Roswell. His belief in God, helped lead him in his daily struggles and brought him peace at the end of his life. He had a shot and a cigarette, visiting with the neighbor and ten minutes later passed peacefully and pain free to be with Carole.

Delmer is survived by his sons; Doug (Lori) Chambers, Platte South Dakota, Kevin (Marilyn) Chambers, Monett, Missouri, daughters; Joanne Slawson, Sauk City, Wisconsin, Janet Cruz, Sparta Wisconsin, sons; Jeff Bailey; Las Vegas Nevada, Richard Kohls; Hagerman, New Mexico, grandchildren; Maggie Vanderlinde, Tyler Chambers, Natalie Chambers, Lacie Chambers, Violet Weigel, Danielle Uhlir, Bobbi McMillan, Dustin Slawson, Stephanie Sherwood, Nathan Kohls, Vegas Cruz, Jade Perron, Ashley Kohls, great; Jaxon, Merric, Harris, Alaina, Wyatt, Dillin, Marlee, Bebe, Brylee, Ela, Jaelyn, Liam, Caleah, Harper,  honorary adopted daughter; Gina Potter,  sister in laws; Joanne Chambers and Beatrice Fish, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his wife Carole, parents; James LeRoy and Agatha; his siblings Otis (Verna), Lotis (Harold)Tessman, Eulia (Verne) Morrow, James (Eleanor), Basil (Helen), Marvin (Gloria), Luisch, Joseph, Dorles (Gordon) McGinnis, Dorothy (Donald) Benjamin, Everett, Eileen (William) Schoenbeck, son; Todd, grandson; Timothy, and many other family members and friends. 

Delmer will be missed by many for his positivity, joking personality, kindness, and big heart. Many thanks to his neighbor Ronald Norris, Enhabit Therapists, Comfort Keeper caregivers, Gentiva Hospice team, and friends that helped to keep him in his home until the end as he wished. Special thank you to the officiant, Chaplain Chris Lethgo, Evertt and Joanne Chambers and Nick Chambers for always supporting Delmer, he greatly appreciated it."

The funeral service will be held at Ballard Funeral Home in Roswell, NM on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM.