Ysmael Samuel "Sam" Gomez Sr, 91, passed away while surrounded by family on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Las Cruces, NM. Sam was born to Senon and Lilia (Montes) Gomez at St. Francis Hospital in Carlsbad, NM, on February 4, 1935, and raised in the small farming community of Otis in Eddy County. Sam was a graduate of Carlsbad High School, achieving his diploma in 1954. He went on to serve his country enlisting in the US Marine Corps in 1954 until his Honorable Discharge at the rank of Sergeant in 1958. Following his military service, Sam married his wife, Herminia "Minnie" Elizondo, on November 7, 1959. He went on to attend New Mexico State University, graduating with his Master of Arts in 1980. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Minnie Gomez, his adoptive sister Del-ma (Mike) Pineda; his five children Kathy Torres, Chris (Brian) Johnson, Cindy (Ruel) Worthing, Ysmael "Sam" (Debra) Gomez Jr., and Sonya (Patrick) Apodaca; his grandchildren Adam Tellez, Jacquelyn Johnson, Marissa (Patric) Magallanes, John John-son and wife Autumn Patton, Dylan Gomez, Henry Torres, Arianna Torres, and Jeremy Harrison; his great grandchildren Vira, Cyra, Ranger, and Ezra. Casket bearers will be Sam's Grandsons. Visitation will be held on Wednesday May 13th from 5:00-6:00pm at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Las Cruces with Rosary services beginning at 6:00pm. Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday May 14th at 10:00am at San Jose Church in La Mesa, NM. Burial and Rite of Committal will conclude at the San Jose Cemetery in La Mesa with a reception to follow. A special thank you to Mesilla Valley Hospice staff for supporting Sam through his transition. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to Mesilla Valley Hospice in honor of the care the facility provides.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com