Derrell Gene Winn

Derrell Gene Winn, Sr. 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 with his family by his side. A quiet man of faith, humility and integrity, Derrell loved unconditionally, and was devoted to his family, particularly his beloved wife, Jeannie. Born January 26, 1937 to Pat and Emma Laura Winn of Southland, TX. The family moved to Yeso, NM in 1946 to help operate the family ranch. After graduating from Fort Sumner High School in 1956, he continued to work on ranches in DeBaca County. He married his high school sweetheart, Merl Jean (Jeannie) Winn in 1959. Derrell was drafted to the United States Army in 1960. He was shipped to Fort Ord (Monterey Bay), California for basic training where he distinguished himself as the honor graduate of his class with top scores for Marksman (Rifle) and exemplary conduct, earning him the Good Conduct Medal. He was stationed at Sandia Base (Albuquerque), New Mexico with the US Army Hospital. Shortly after his discharge, Derrell and Jeannie made the move to Estancia, NM where they would reside for the next 60 years. Derrell was an active member of his community and the First Baptist Church. He wore numerous hats during his life including business owner and truck driver, but his favorite hat of all was the one he wore on a horse doing the kind of work he enjoyed most. Derrell leaves a legacy of leading a life with faith in Jesus, hard work, kindness and devotion to the people in his life. Helping others was second nature to Derrell. When he heard of a problem, he would immediately come up with a solution and show up with something he built in his shop or bring over tools to help fix it. He was an outdoorsman and an avid reader of God’s word and books about the west, reading any book he could find, fiction or not (until he realized he could download them on the computer). Known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Derrell delighted in his “crew”! He loved teaching them real life-lessons from how to saddle a horse to beading a strong weld and backing a trailer. He was patient when they failed and never let them quit. Derrell was not afraid of technology and he loved when his grandkids would show him what he called, “tricks,” on the computer. He drove many miles to attend all of their activities (even attending some virtually) and was always there giving them a sign of encouragement with a wink and a smile. Derrell is preceded in death by his parents Pat and Emma Laura Winn of Yeso, NM and sister Betty Jo Winn-Irwin of Fort Sumner, NM. Derrell is survived by his wife, Merl Jeanne (Jeannie) of Estancia, NM; son, Gene Winn (Doreen) of Estancia, NM; son, Bryan Winn (Amy) of Moriarty, NM; sister, Patsy Griggs of Dalhart, TX. Grandchildren: Joe Warren (Lacy) of Belton, MO; Randy Hanna (Katie) Rio Rancho, NM; Kassie Jo (Jorge Huizar) of Dover, OK; Kolene (Joel Wils) of Green Bay, WI; Laura (Barrett Allerkamp) of Comfort, TX. Great-grandchildren: Addison and Quinn Warren; Elyse, Brady, Colton and Shane Hanna; Benjamin and Joaquin Huizar, and many nieces and nephews. Services for Derrell Gene Winn, Sr. will be 11:00 am on December 15th, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Estancia, NM. Burial will immediately follow at the Estancia Cemetery.