Nelson Lenord Lethco, Jr., “Lenord”, aged 75, passed away on September 10, 2026. Lenord was born on April 23, 1951, in Pecos, Texas, to Nelson and Ellen Lethco. He grew up with a deep connection to the land as he was raised on the family ranch (Woulfter Ranch), seventeen miles west of Toyahvale, Texas.

After graduating from Balmorhea High School in 1969, Lenord attended The University of Texas as well as Sul Ross State University. He ranched and farmed on family lands most of his life. In 1977, he married Carley Carrico and they raised two sons, Wil and Larmer.

The wide-open spaces of West Texas shaped his life. He loved to hunt, whether it be arrowheads, elk, deer, chasing mountain lions with his hounds, or running trap lines. Many people remember Lenord for his pet mountain lion, Bianca, a descendent of the Houston Cougar mascot, who often escorted him to town or scared the heck out of ranch visitors. Later in life, Lenord also enjoyed raising quite a menagerie of birds at the ranch. For sure, his favorite moments were shared outdoors with his family and close friends.

Lenord was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carley, and his parents, Nelson and Ellen Lethco. He leaves behind his sons, Wil and Larmer, along with his granddaughter, Michaela. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Hayter and Marty Burnett, his niece, and nephews who will all miss his presence dearly.

Honorary pallbearers are Freddie Schrier, Bob Hayter, Frank Molinar, Jack Knox, Willie Olivas, Joey Robinson, Jan Brown, Thomas Duffy, Jacob Sanchez, Reuben Quintero, Blayke Hollis and William McAfee.

A memorial service and lunch to celebrate Lenord’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Community Center in Balmorhea.