Bryan Gilbert 'Gib' Bartlett

Bryan Gilbert "Gib" Bartlett, a resident of Las Cruces, passed from this life Monday, April 23, 2007 at The Arbors of Del Rey in Las Cruces. Gilbert was born October 1, 1926 in Socorro, New Mexico to Bryan Bartlett and Queenie Dillon Bartlett. He was one of two children. Gilbert grew up in Fairacres, Rincon and Derry. He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1944 and served briefly in the U.S. Navy until illness caused an honorable medical discharge. Gilbert married Johnnie Jo Martin on July 4, 1947 and they lived in Hatch for 58 years prior to moving to Las Cruces last March. Hatch was home for so many years and that is where they raised their family and conducted their trucking business, Martin and Bartlett Trucking and operated their small hog operation, B&B Durocs, where they raised show pigs with daughter Dawna Sue. Gilbert was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a 4-H leader helping the youth with their livestock projects. For more years than most can remember, Gilbert used his semi rig to haul Hatch 4-H and FFA animals to the state fair in Albuquerque at no cost to the kids. He was a member of the Hatch Valley Public Schools Board of Education and served as president. He was Hatch Volunteer Fire Chief for many years. A big part of his life was his involvement with the Dona Ana County Fair, which became the Southern New Mexico State Fair. He served as Swine Superintendent and Classifier for many years. He served as a Village of Hatch Trustee for two terms and Mayor of Hatch one term. Serving on the Garfield Water Board, Rio Grande Gas Board, South Central Council of Governments Board of Directors and the New Mexico Municipal League also occupied a great deal of his time. His primary objective in life was being a husband, providing for his family, enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and making his community a better place. Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Johnnie Jo; two daughters Sheila Kay Massey and husband Randy of Animas, and Dawna Sue McNiel and husband Bob of Las Cruces; and his brother Allard and wife Nadine of Hurley. Gilbert is also survived by three grandchildren, Tammy Massey Pompeo and husband Mike, Tisha Massey Loranc and husband Kevin, and Cash Massey and wife Kanzas. Step-grandchildren include Travis McNiel and wife Courtney, Heather McNiel Coleman and husband Jody, and Ian McNiel. Great grandchildren include Dallas and Troy Pompeo, Jade and Cap Massey, and Jaxon, Kaylee and Jaci Loranc. Step great-grandchildren include Riley McNiel, Alexis Fenn, and Trey and Mason Coleman. Other survivors include nephews Bryan Bartlett and wife Barbara, and Bernard Bartlett and wife Becky; niece Melinda Bartlett and husband Emilio Rivera. Additional survivors include many great nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2007 at Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 1 at the Adams Street Church of Christ in Hatch and immediately following graveside service and burial at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Hatch. Serving, as pallbearers will be Randy Massey, Bob McNiel, Cash Massey, Mike Pompeo, Kevin Loranc and Bryan Bartlett. Honorary pallbearers will be Seth Lawrence, Brady Porter, B.J. Porter, Bernard Bonner, Tom Mobley, Bill Morrison, Joel Edwards, Gilbert Rodriquez, Ronnie Hinojos, Bill Porter, and Frank Panella. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. PDF Printable Version