Thomas Caver Obituary

Durango resident Thomas Ray Caver Sr. died Friday, Aug. 28, 2014, in Durango from heart disease. He was 83.

Mr. Caver was born Sept. 15, 1930, in Highlands, Texas, to William Ira Caver and Vera Matilda Davenport. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged.

He married Bobbie Clair Davis on Oct. 15, 1951, in Houston, and his service in the Army took them to El Paso, Texas, where he fell in love with the West, according to his family. They later moved to Farmington, where he worked in a blueprinting business owned by his brother-in-law. They moved to Durango in 1960, and he worked with Bill Thompson and John Lupsa at Basin Reproductions for two years. He also sold vacuum cleaners with Orlando Griego for Hugo Meiworm.

They lived in Albuquerque before settling in Pearland, Texas, for seven years, vowing to return to Durango as soon as their son finished school. In 1972, fulfilling his dream, they sold their home, quit their jobs and built their home on Hermosa Creek.

Mr. Caver was a carpenter at Tamarron and then earned his real estate license in 1974. In 1976, he opened Caver Real Estate in a small office rented from Rod Turner. In 1978, he opened Durango's first national franchise, Century 21 Caver Real Estate. He operated that business with his wife and son, Tom Caver Jr., at 1201 Main Ave. until 2003.

In 2005, the family tore down the existing building and developed The Lofts at 1201 Main Ave. An award-winning design, the mixed-use building is home to numerous friends who bought condominiums and several successful businesses.

He loved the real estate business and the many friends he made through the years, his family said. He was a barbecue master who loved to cook for his friends and family, and, according to family, his home on Hermosa Creek was his favorite place in the world. He spent his spare time turning the three acres into a park, where he hosted an annual Fourth of July barbecue almost every year for 40 years.

Mr. Caver is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bobbie Caver, of Durango; son, Tom Caver Jr. of Durango; sisters Helen Jacobs, Doris Davis and Ruth Davis, and brother Dale Caver, all of Highlands, Texas; two grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration barbecue on Hermosa Creek will be held for family and friends. Call Tom Caver Jr. at 749-2343 for details.