Carlton Hickman

CARLTON TREVOR HICKMAN , 53, a resident of Espanola, passed away unexpectedly on September 16, 2020.  Carlton was born on March 15, 1967 in Albuquerque, to Edna Pearl Reid and Joseph Roy Hickman.

Carlton was preceded in death by his sister, Susie Hickman and brother, Randy Hickman; mother, Edna Pearl Reid; maternal grandparents, William and Helen Reid; paternal grandparents, Maisie and Joe Hickman; and father-in-law, Joe Quintana. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Elaine Hickman; father, Joseph “Joey” Hickman; daughters, Miranda Hickman (Mitchell), Alicia Carter (Bobby), and Shalene Ayers (DJ); sons, Justin Hickman and Joseph Ortega (Tori), and Brandon Martinez whom he loved like a son; sisters, Marjorie O'Neill (Mike), Jolene Herring (Bill), and Julia Hickman (Mike); brothers, Timothy Hickman (Leslie), Adam Hickman, Ira Hickman, and Jerry Ball; grandchildren Emery Partlow, Malia and Lianna Carter, Evelyn and Benson Ayers, and Isla Rae Ortega; mother-in-law, Viola E. Quintana and many other in-laws and relatives including aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Carlton was raised in Alcalde. He was the middle child of eight siblings. When Carlton was a young boy, his father would often put him on his shoulders and take him for long walks in the forest. They would look for rabbits and other wildlife. That was the start of Carlton's love for the outdoors and the sport of hunting and fishing. By the time he was a teenager, his father bought him his first hunting rifle which he used to develop his shooting skills. Shortly after high school, Carlton began working as a professional hunting guide where he met many friends along the way. After doing this for some time, he and his close childhood friend, Greg Gonzales, decided to open an outfitting business called “Dreamaker's Hunting & Outfitting.” Together they traveled to out-of-state hunting shows with the purpose of attracting hunters to the beautiful northern New Mexico mountain ranges where they had become so familiar. The two of them hired other hunting guides and employees who also happened to be close friends including Bradley Gonzales, and all together their efforts ensured they were successful in developing a returning clientele, many of which became life-long friends.

Once Carlton started his family, he eventually quit the outfitting business, although he continued to hunt, camp and fish on a regular basis. Carlton began working as an employee at Pinon Hills working with adolescent boys. He also worked at Santa Maria El Mirador where he provided care for disabled adults. Eventually, Carlton would take a career shift and start working with Contract Associates as a furniture installer at LANL. He was such a dedicated and hard worker, that he impressed one of the LANL managers who eventually hired him to work at the Laboratory. He worked as a Facility Coordinator for a short time and his latest job was as an Operator for the WFO-FOD.

Carlton had a larger-than-life personality and if you met him once you most likely would not forget him. He had an ornery disposition and was personable and kind. He was very patriotic and anyone that knew him knew how much he loved his favorite sports-teams such as LA Lakers, NY Yankees, NASCAR and let's not forget to mention those Dallas Cowboys. Many of you probably had him approach you if you were wearing something from an opposing team where he would jokingly give you static.

Carlton had a deep love for his family especially his beloved mama Pearl. She influenced his life greatly with her classic country songs and western shows. Many times, you could catch him watching his favorite John Wayne movies or “The Virginian, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza” shows. When he wasn't at home with his family, he would be hanging out with one of his many brotherhood friends taking them on outings to his favorite fishing spot called Hopewell Lake. Even his dogs got to accompany him on many of these mountain trips.

Carlton was known as the type of man that was always willing to lend a helping hand to those he loved and provide assistance to a stranger in need.   He was witty and loved singing some silly, old made-up tune at the top of his lungs which put a smile on your face. Carlton's passing has left a huge void in the hearts of many. He was a special person with a loving soul whom will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Public visitation will begin on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Valley Bible Baptist Church with services to follow at 11:30 a.m. Masks must be worn.

A private burial will be held for close family and friends at the family graveyard in Glorietta with the following serving as pallbearers, Justin Hickman, Joe Ortega, Brad Gonzales, Greg Gonzales, Brandon Martinez and Ira Hickman. Honorary pallbearers will be: Rick Trotter, Tony Rapatz, Roy Lopez, Aaron Salinas, Cliff Piper and Timothy Hickman. The family of Carlton Trevor Hickman has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.