Joe was a loving husband, caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His family was most important to him and he cherished them all dearly.
Joe began his primary school years attending a Catholic school in Roy and completed his secondary education at Roy High School. After graduation, he served in the United States Army from July 3rd, 1953 until June 3rd, 1955, and was honorably discharged as a private first class. Joe also served one year in the Springer NM National Guard. He began his career at the New Mexico Boys School in Springer where he retired after 30 years. While working full-time to support his family, Joe earned his A.A. degree in Behavioral Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from NMHU.
Among the many work and educational certificates of achievements and accomplishments, he received honorable recognition as an advocate for higher education on the recommendation of students at NMHU. His love of music in almost all genres gave him much pleasure and comfort. He loved playing his guitar and for many years played in a band known as “The Unknowns”.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents Merced and Lucy Maestas, brother Leo Maestas, sisters Stella Martinez and Nadine YBarra, infant brother Lorenzo Maestas and baby sister Elena Maestas, nephews Juan Maestas, Johnny Arias, Leroy Arellano, Frank Arguello, and nieces Lucy Arellano and Jennifer Arguello.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Jane (Sandoval) Maestas of the family home, his four daughters Diane Conyers of Amarillo, TX, Marcella Maestas-Casias (Richard) of Bernalillo, NM, Veronica (Tinker) Maestas of Denver, CO, Lisa Maestas of Rio Rancho, NM and one son, Ruben Maestas (Valerie) of Springer, NM.
Grandchildren, Chrissie Silva, Jami Rodriquez, Andrea Madrid, Eva Casias, Estevan Maestas, Elena Maestas, Diego Maestas, Isabella Maestas, Marco Maestas, Amanda Gallegos and Melissa Gallegos. Great-grandchildren, Isaiah Rodriguez and Adam Rodriguez, Eden De Leon, Sage Poarch and Ily-Jane Poarch, Tomas Silva, Lilliana Silva, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom he loved and cherished.
“Joseph Merced Maestas Jr., your life emitted a light so bright within the world that even now that your home, your light remains.”
*Services Pending and will be announced by the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Joseph Merced Maestas, Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
