Melvin Barreras
( January 3, 1953 – March 31, 2024 )
Melvin Juan Barreras, Jr. (Tim) passed away at the age of 71 on March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday, in Clayton, NM, surrounded by family. He was born on January 3rd, 1953, in Tucumcari, NM. He was a member of the Catholic Church and received Viaticum (The Last Rites”) on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Per his request, he would like cremation to take place and Catholic burial service to occur at the time of his brother Michael’s passing in which they will both be laid to rest at the Clayton Cemetery.
He is the son of Melvin & Lillie F. Barreras.
He is preceded in death by both parents, a loving sister, Darlene Ortiz-Martinez, his niece, Erica D. Barreras, his great-niece, Everleigh D. Barreras, Baby Danny Ortiz, Maternal Grandparents, Jose & Carlota Gonzalez-Padilla, step-grandfather Mathias Padilla, and Paternal grandparents Juan & Theodore Barreras.
He is survived by his siblings, Michael Barreras, David Barreras & wife Scarlot, and Carlota Ulibarri & husband Matthew.
Nieces and Nephew Vera Dawn Ortiz, Brandi Ortiz, Mark Barreras & wife Kayla, and Domionna Ulibarri & partner Andrew Dabich.
Great-nieces Sierra, Aubrey, and Jasmine Sandoval, one great-nephew David “Mark” Barreras III.
Uncle Leo Ray Gonzales & his sweet wife Lupe, his loving aunts Gina Escobedo and Helen Gonzales, and Aunt Frances Barreras-Garcia & husband Pat.
Many cousins on the Gonzales & Barreras sides of the family.
He was a “Nino” (godfather) to seven family members. He took his responsibility very seriously and loved them all so very much. In his last days, he talked about them and was able to talk with most of them on the phone. He asked that we mention each one of them. Domionna Ulibarri, Richard Archuleta, Tonja Rodarte, Bonefacio “Boney” Garcia, Patricia Gonzales, and Fritz Barreras, Jr.
Special thanks to Joann Justiniano, Leilani Justiniano, Mason Michner, Rosetta Martinez, Bernadette Gonzales & Valerie Maly.
Special thanks also to Hospice RN, Robin Pilly of Anvoi Hospice Care of New Mexico, Dr. Mark E. VanWormer and the UCGH staff, Dialysis Clinic, Inc. in Raton, NM RN Tina, Kim & staff. And Dr. Mazin Saadaldin at North West Texas Hospital.
He was a graduate of Clayton High School (Class of 1971) and attended the University of New Mexico, receiving an associate degree in Journalism. He also had a passion for accounting. Despite his educational background, God had other plans for him. He had a calling to be in service of others. For over 30 years, Melvin worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant primarily working with Alzheimer’s patients. He had a special relationship with each patient, all of whom had a place in his heart. He would provide each one of them with kindness, care, compassion, and dignity. He dedicated his life to caring for others. Melvin was known for his kind and compassionate nature, always looking out for his mother, siblings, and those around him. Family was very important to him, and he always knew what they needed during difficult times in their lives, whether it was sitting with them when they were ill or just to give his love and guidance when they needed it most. He never missed a birthday because he knew them all by heart, he made sure they received a card or call. He will be always remembered for the wonderful man that he was, and he will be missed tremendously.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Towers to Tunnels Foundation, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
