Derby Gene Britton

Derby G. Britton, 65, of Farmington, passed away quietly at home on Saturday, May 14, 2011. He was born Dec. 4, 1945, in Perryton, Texas, the son of Erva and Jay Britton. Derby contracted polio when he was 3 years old, but found it a small inconvenience most of his life. He completed high school in Perryton, and went on to attend Oklahoma State University. He completed his third year at OSU and then went to work for FMC Technologies in Houston, Texas. In 1978, he moved to Farmington, and went to work for Big Red Tool. He married Linda Crossan in 1981. In 1982, he was transferred to Grand Junction, Colo., and in 1984, he moved back to Farmington and went to work for ERC. Shortly after that he went to work for A-1 Machine, Inc. Mr. Britton married Christy Harris on Dec. 6, 2003, in Albuquerque. Derby enjoyed many hours fishing and golfing. He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge for a number of years. Mr. Britton was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David Britton; his sister, Darlene Britton Swanson; and a very special woman, his sister-in-law, Mrs. Wanda Britton. He is survived by his wife, Christy Britton; his daughter, Heather Britton; his brothers, Kenneth Britton and Chet Williams; his granddaughter, Autumn Ratcliff; his step-son, Elgie Harris III; his stepdaughter, Morgan Harris;and step-grandchildren, Hailey Harris, Kameron Harris, Isiah Harris, andAalyiah Harris. He is also survived by his nieces, Mrs. Jeannie Sandoval and Mrs. Dianna Shay, Ms. Angela Sandoval; nephews, Mr. Kenneth Kyle Sandoval, Mr. Brian Shay, Mr. Kelly Shay, Mr. Levi Shay; and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing for family and close friends will be held from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington. Memorial services will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the same location. Pastor Joan Roberts from the First United Methodist Church will officiate. Cremation will follow the services. A reception for the family and friends will be held at the home of Mrs. Christy Britton, 3303 Northridge Drive, in Farmington. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 East Ute Street Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688