Donald E. Pearson

Donald Eugene Pearson
July 12, 1926 - April 16, 2018
Donald Eugene (D.E., Don) Pearson, of Farmington, New Mexico passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018, after a long illness. He was born July 12, 1926 in Etna, Nebraska to Alvin and Ester Pearson and lived to be 91 years old.
Growing up on a farm in the Sand Hills of Nebraska, he developed a strong work ethic, and enjoyment of the outdoors. After graduating from Arnold High School in 1944 as a star basketball player, he married his sweetheart Veneda F. Westman on October 13, 1946 and shared 71 years of marriage. He worked in wheat combining, farming and ranching and was given an Agricultural Deferment from the U.S. Armed Services. He also worked with the Soil Conservation Program.
In 1953, he and Veneda moved to Sidney, NE where he starting working with Schlumberger Oilfield Services as an operator. They were transferred to Cody, WY and then Rock Springs, WY where he successfully completed field engineer training. They then settled in Farmington, NM in 1967. After 22 years with Schlumberger, he retired as a senior field engineer, having made lifelong friends.
In 1977 Don and Veneda founded Southwest Geophysical Services, a wireline surveying business which they owned and operated for 27 years. The business primarily served the Four Corners and Phoenix, AZ areas and then expanded into the Rocky Mountain States with coal, gas, oil, uranium, and water exploration. Don was a member of the Civitan Club and served on the Board of Directors for the NM Ground Water Association.
Don enjoyed raising four daughters. He was always ready to take them hunting and fishing. He taught them how to change a tire and check the oil. They were allowed to use his tools, as long as they put them back where they found them.
Don was blessed to be raised in a Christian home, was faithful to attend church regularly and enjoyed singing in the choir. With an outgoing personality, he would never hesitate to stop in and visit a neighbor, or strike up a conversation with a stranger.
Don is survived by his wife, Veneda, and daughters: Donna (Ed) Shuler of Placentia, CA; Kathy (Richard) Nelson of Farmington; Phyllis Henrie of Farmington and Deborah (Paul) Atkins of Big Sky, MT.; brothers Stan Pearson, Arnold, NE, Jim (Arlene) Pearson, Helena, MT and sister Joan (Louis) Schuster, Callaway, NE; one grandson, four granddaughters, and seven great grandchildren. He was also and role model to numerous nephews and nieces.
Donald will be laid to rest during a private burial at Greenlawn Cemetery in Farmington. A memorial service will held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 211 W. 20th St. with Pastor Steve Ballew officiating.