Joseph "Joey" Michael Gomez, 26, was born on April 25, 2000, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and passed away on June 6, 2026, in Bayard, New Mexico. Bayard was the place Joey called home, though his adventurous spirit often took him traveling across the country. Whether it meant crossing town or crossing state lines, Joey always found a way to show up for the people he loved, turning every journey into an opportunity to create memories.
Joey lived life with enthusiasm, laughter, and an attitude that was impossible to ignore. He was the life of every gathering, always singing, dancing, and bringing smiles to those around him. He also had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went, always leaving a lasting impression on the people he met.
Known for his generous heart and willingness to help others, Joey was always willing to lend a hand whenever it was needed. Joey was great with children and had a natural talent for teaching. He was especially loved by his honorary nieces and nephews, who spent significant time learning from him. He had a tough exterior, a big heart, and wasn't afraid of a confrontation when he believed it was warranted.
Joey's passion for cars was one of the defining joys of his life. He loved driving, racing, working on vehicles, attending car shows, and pursuing his dreams of building businesses, owning incredible cars, and one day constructing his own home. His hard work and determination earned him multiple car show trophies, and he took great pride in his accomplishments, including graduating from high school and, at a fairly young age, operating his own small business.
As a true jack-of-all-trades, Joey believed there was little that couldn't be learned with enough time and YouTube tutorials. He could build, repair, and create just about anything he set his mind to. He was also a phenomenal cook who loved sharing meals with family and friends.
Some of Joey's most treasured memories were made alongside his grandfather while camping, panning for gold, fishing, building structures, and enjoying the outdoors. Those experiences helped shape his adventurous nature and appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
Joey's love for life could perhaps best be summed up by a simple phrase: "Smoke grass, kick ass"; It reflected his free spirit, sense of humor, and determination to live life on his own terms.
Joey is preceded in death by his father, James Hibbard, and close friend, Gino Vannatter.
He is survived by his fiancée, Ashleigh Armijo; his beloved dogs, Oden and Hazel; his mother, Christina Wolford-Castillo and her husband, James Castillo; his sister, Alexis Rivera and her husband Leo Hernandez; his brother, Carlos Arias and his wife Marisa Holguin; his maternal grandparents, Kathy and James Quarrell, Joseph and Tammy Wolford; his aunt, Ryan Hefley; his cousins, Triston Hefley, Trinity Hefley, Feliciana Paz, and Savannah Dominguez; his adopted brother, Roman Flores.
He also leaves behind numerous extended family members, countless friends, and all those whose lives were made brighter by his kindness, humor, and adventurous spirit.
Though Joey's time with us was far too short, the memories he created, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. "Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day".
Visitation will be Friday, June 19th from 9:30-10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the funeral service to commence at 10am with Pastor Mario Ogas officiating. Concluding service, cremation will follow at Terrazas Crematory. Inurnment will take place at 5pm at Pinos Altos cemetery where he will be laid to rest. A reception will follow the services at Cross Point Church.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
