Print
Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 21 April 2014 21 April 2014

Benedo S. Barraza of Deming, a retired U.S. Border Patrol agent, died April 18 in Las Cruces after a lengthy illness. He was 78.

Known as "Benny" to his friends and family, Barraza was born May 30, 1935, in Valentine, Texas, where he learned to love the ranching lifestyle. He had lived in Deming since 1974. He graduated from Valentine High School in 1954. He served four years in the United States Air Force, including service in South Korea during the Korean Conflict. Barraza was a kind and generous father and grandfather devoted to his family. He loved horses, hunting and fishing and wood working. He worked with the Southern Pacific Railroad for a while before joining the Border Patrol in 1967. He served with the Border Patrol in El Centro, Calif., Columbus and Deming before retiring in 1990 after 23 years. During his Border Patrol career, Barraza received numerous citations for exemplary performance of his official duties. In 1973, the U.S. Department of the Treasury also recognized him for outstanding service. 

Barraza was preceded in death by his parents Miguel and Eloisa Barraza of Van Horn, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Guadalupe Barraza of Deming; children Michael Otis Barraza (Kathy), Joe Don Barraza (Sandra) of Yeso, N.M., and Maura Ann Barraza of Deming; plus five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled at 2 p.m. this Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Baca's Funeral Home Chapel, 811 S. Gold, in Deming.