Roll Call Tribute

Published in Farmington (NM) Daily Times from Aug. 6 to Aug. 13, 2016

Ashton Blanchard "Abie" Geren Jr.(1922 - 2016)
Ashton Blanchard ""Abie"" Geren Jr., 94, of Farmington, died on June 6, 2016. Abie was born in Shreveport, La., on April 9, 1922, to Ashton Blanchard Geren Sr. and Mae Simmons Geren. During his childhood and adolescence, he lived in Louisiana and east Texas, as his father worked at various sites in the oil and gas industry. He and his sister, Jacqueline (Jackie), enjoyed happy childhoods, surrounded by their parents and their parents' many siblings, as well as being a part of the larger oil and gas community. Abie began his path as a geologist during those early years, learning from his father and uncles, including his mother's brother, uncle David Jack Simmons (Uncle Jack), who founded the DJ Simmons Company in 1932. His upbringing focused on the importance of strong family connections, good friends, and hard work. Up to his death at 94, Abie was grounded by those three principles, and his interest in new ideas was never diminished. Abie's geological studies at Texas A&M were interrupted in Dec. 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served as a lead navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps 457th Bomb Group with the rank of First Lieutenant. Abie navigated over 30 missions over Germany in B-17 bombers. On Nov. 8, 1944, because of bad weather, his squadron was recalled from a mission to bomb a synthetic oil plant in Merseberg, Germany. Returning to England over the English Channel, Abie's B-17 collided with another B-17. When describing this catastrophe, Abie always emphasized that his aircraft managed to limp back to England, while the other aircraft, whose pilot was only 19 years old, plunged into the sea, with no survivors. For the rest of his life, this experience left him with a deep respect for the selflessness and sacrifice that people gave to one another. His time in the service formed the strength, dignity, resolve and bravery that characterized his entire life. Returning to Texas A&M, Abie graduated with a degree in geology and a sense of pride and accomplishment typical of an Aggie. In addition to acquiring his professional credentials, he also met the love of his life, Judy Welch, in Marshall, Texas, and proposed romantically on their second date. Their strong partnership and romance lasted over 66 years until her death in July 2015. Abie and Judy had two children; Dana, who inherited her father's loyalty and thoughtful generosity, as well as her mother's musical talent; and James (Jim), who inherited his father's enthusiasm and love of argumentation, along with his mother's sense of irony. As an independent geologist, Abie worked for his uncle Jack and a number of other companies, moving with the family to various spots in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The Geren family met Gus (d. 2002) and Barbara Byrom and their children when they were living in Aurora, Colo., in the late 1950s, and the friendship developed into an extended family relationship, including one year when both families lived together in a large house in Grand Junction, Colo. Both the Geren and the Byrom families eventually settled permanently in Farmington. Abie and Judy first moved to Farmington in 1952 and then returned permanently in 1966. After the death of his Uncle Jack, Abie managed the DJ Simmons wells for Uncle Jack's widow, Thelma Ford Simmons, and with his business acumen and geological knowledge, he convinced her to keep the company going and to further develop in Mesa Verde. After her death, Abie managed the company for the family owners and continued to grow and develop it. In 1994, Abie hired John Byrom who succeeded Abie as President and CEO in 2001 and that business connection further strengthened the bond between the Byrom and Geren families. He also started a successful subsidiary in Twin Stars Compression. Along with mentoring his employees, Abie developed a family board, and the current chairman, Matthew (Matt) Negri, attributes his knowledge of the field directly to Abie. The embodiment of integrity, Abie was a strong leader devoted to the company who mentored and cared for his employees. He understood the turbulent environment of the business and he remained optimistic and involved until his death. In addition to his strong investment in his business, Abie invested in his family, caring for Judy until her death and generously providing love and support for his children and their spouses. As his descendants and their spouses entered into creative and educational fields, Abie became a sponsor of education and the arts. Abie was the first to brag about their accomplishments and he never hesitated to embellish. He generously continued to embrace Dana's children and their children, many of whom have the names ""Ashton"" and ""Blanchard."" He gave help to educate his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and also contributed to others outside the family – ¬to the San Juan Hospital, to his church, and to many other worthy causes. He was happiest when he was giving. Abie was cared for tenderly, as he grew older, by many of those in the Farmington community. His children and their families cannot thank Lorrie Rodgers and Pam (Byrom) Rice enough for the devotion they offered on a daily basis. John and Stephanie Byrom, along with their children, were constant companions. Rebecca Morgan and all of the staff at Namaste House provided loving care and comfort. Along with maintaining his lifelong friendship with Barbara Byrom, Abie received visits from his many friends and colleagues in the Farmington community up to the day of his death. The family members celebrate those connections as joyously as they celebrate the life of Abie.
He is survived by his son, James B. Geren and wife, Sarah R. Marino; daughter, Dana Schmitz and husband, Alan Schmitz; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren
A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 12, at the First Presbyterian Church, 865 N. Dustin Ave., in Farmington with Rev. Glenn Perica officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the tutoring program at the First Presbyterian Church, 865 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington or to Namaste House, 800 W. 30th St. in Farmington. www.namastehouseal.com.
Abie's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.
Funeral Home
Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home
103 East Ute Street Farmington, NM 87401
(505) 325-8688