Larry Milberger

Larry Milberger, 96, of Hobbs, passed away Monday, July 31, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM, Friday, August 4, 2017 at Griffin Funeral Home.

Larry was born on September 12, 1920 in Russell, Kansas. He began his career in 1937 working on cable tool rigs. His academic studies at the University of Arkansas were interrupted with the outbreak of World War II. In 1942 Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served on low level bombers throughout the Pacific in the 5th Air Force, under General George Kenny. Back in the states, he helped train others for service flying the B26 and C47. Larry was called back to duty during the German Air Lift in 1947 and 1948. He was proud to have served his country.

Larry began his career in the petroleum industry working for Champlan as a driller. He later started his own companies. For over fifty years, Larry has owned petroleum related businesses including, Safety Test, Clemco, B.O.P. Testing, H.O.L.C.O. and Scarbrough, Inc., which he still ran at the time of his death. In 2011, the Western Heritage Museum honored Larry with the dedication of the historic 1930's Continental-EMSCO derrick which stands outside the museum.
Larry will be remembered as a genuine pioneer of Southeastern New Mexico's petroleum industry.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Keith Milberger. Survivors include his son, Kent Milberger; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and lifelong friends.

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