Charles Gene Samberson

Charles "C. Gene" Samberson, 91, long-time resident of Lovington, family man, lawyer, legislator, and public servant in New Mexico passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, leadership, and civic duty.

Gene was born in 1934 in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Alton Abner ("Buck") and Lucille Samberson, He built a life rooted in faith, family, and public service. Gene attended the University of New Mexico, earning his bachelor's degree in accounting and later attended the University of New Mexico, earning his Juris Doctorate, in preparation of a career that would span many decades and cast a wide sphere of influence.

Gene began his life of service in the US Army and then transitioned to his legal career in Lovington under the mentorship of Finis L. Heidel. Shortly thereafter, he felt a calling to public service, serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1970 to 1988. During that time, he twice held the position of Speaker of the House: first from 1979 to 1982, and again from 1985 to 1987. Samberson earned a reputation as a consensus-builder who could navigate deep ideological divides, bringing balance and a new voice to the legislature.

In addition to his legislative work, Samberson was a practicing lawyer in Lovington-known for his ethics, fairness, and commitment to his clients and community. He was a member of the law firm Heidel, Samberson, Cox & McMahon in Lovington, where he practiced for over six decades. His peers recognized his legal ability and moral character-he earned an AV Preeminent peer rating, a distinction reflecting lawyers' recognition of his professional excellence.

Samberson also served as a Regent for the University of New Mexico from 1989 to 1994, further underscoring his commitment to education and civic responsibility. In recognition of his service to the community, he was awarded: the Silver Concho Award from the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Lovington Citizen of the Year Award, University of the Southwest Trustee of Free Enterprise, and the Statesman Award from the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout his career, he was guided by a belief in public service as a calling. Whether in the courtroom, or the Capitol, Gene Samberson worked to ensure that rural voices in New Mexico had a seat at the table.

While Gene enjoyed politics, the law, and public service, he loved serving at his church as both a deacon and an elder, serving over many decades. He was a man of faith and passed that legacy on to his two sons. Gene was also an avid fisherman and hunter and loved doing that with his sons and his grandkids.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gail Samberson, his son Greg (Shannon) Samberson, his son Gary (Melinda) Samberson, five grandchildren (Sheridan, Sloane, Gavin, Gareth, and Gannon), his nephew Brian Samberson, and extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10:00 am at First Christian Church with Gene Wilde officiating. Burial will follow at Lovington Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Christian Church of Lovington, NM; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.