Manford Lohman

M.D. LOHMAN.New Mexico has lost one of its most entrepreneurial and colorful businessmen. On October 16, 2012 at the age of 92 M. D. Lohman passed away peacefully and with a smiling spirit having lived well, accomplished much and left the world a better place. A member of The Greatest Generation, he served in the U S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1945. The two driving forces in M. D.'s life were family and business. Over the years he combined the two, folding family members into one aspect or another of his many ventures and passing on to them the values that made him successful: work hard, think big, stay close. M. D. was never afraid of the unknown and always ready to take on a new challenge. A resident of NM since 1960, his enterprises included Commercial Products Restaurant Supply, Lohman Motors, and several night clubs throughout the state, as well as the #1 rated country western night club, Caravan East. He was also a licensed general contractor and an active investor in NM real estate. M. D. was generous and quietly philanthropic. During his years in business, he was always there to help a friend in distress or a stranger in need of a job. A member of the Seventh Day Adventists, he most recently donated a building for their church in Ruidoso Downs. Adventurous and enterprising, M. D. saw life as a smorgasbord of activities, fun and interests from which to choose. And he always chose big. He had a pilot's license, owned single and twin engine planes and loved flying around the U.S., as well as giving a lift to NM politicians as they campaigned around the state. Las Vegas, NV was his favorite destination for what he called a "vacation" of one or two days. He enjoyed gambling, playing cards, water skiing, and golfing. Throughout his life, cars and trucks were his passion; he bought them, worked on them and rebuilt them. Even into his 90's, M. D. came to work each morning to rebuild old pickup trucks, paint them red and sell them. He was a Denver Bronco fan and loved to watch Tiger Woods play golf. A handsome and charming man from beginning to end, M. D.'s trademark was hats. He wore cowboy hats, golf caps and baseball caps, but he especially loved his Greek Fisherman's caps, and wore them most often. M. D. Lohman will be affectionately remembered for all this and more. He was proud, tough, mischievous and smart. And no one can ever say he didn't take a huge bite out of life. He leaves a vast legacy of grand memories to all who knew and loved him. Born Manford Daniel Lohman in Axel Basin, CO to Daniel and Effie Rose Lohman, M. D. was one of 6 children, all but one of whom has preceded him death. He leaves his wife of 55 years, DeLores Griess Lohman; his devoted and loving daughter, Terry Lohman-Vigil and her husband, the Honorable Michael E. Vigil; his industrious and life-long business partner and son, Todd Lohman and his soul mate Kim McDonald; and grandchildren, Josh Lohman Shainin, Courtney Todd Lohman and Travis Haguewood. From a previous marriage M. D. is also survived by son, Dan Lohman and wife, Betty of Pasadena, TX; son, Don Lohman and wife, Judy of La Porte, TX; son, Doyle Lohman and wife, Diane of Deer Park, TX; and grandchildren, Danette, Darren, Chris, Kelly, Lori, David and Derek; and several great-grandchildren. M. D.'s only surviving sibling is his sister, Florence Harris Parker of Ruidoso Downs, NM and brother-in-law, Donald Griess of Sutton, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Monday, October 22, 2012, 11:30 a.m., at French - University. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:15 p.m. Friends may visit French - University from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 21, 2012.