Michael Barajas

Michael Dean Barajas “Chewy”

Michael Dean Barajas aka “Chewy”, 66, of Roswell, NM, passed away at 4:48 (which was his Transwestern Pipeline radio number) on January 22, 2022. Mike was surrounded by family and friends that loved him dearly.

Mike was born on July 8, 1955, to Johnnie and Helen Sue Barajas in Ruidoso, NM. After Mike graduated from Goddard High School in 1973, he went on to study Biology/Medical Technology at New Mexico State University. While at New Mexico State, Mike also became the founding father of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity; something he considered a great honor.

In 1990, Mike married Marcia Bremer Barajas in Roswell NM. Marcia was the love of his life. They had a passion for traveling with friends and enjoying adventures together.  One of their most memorable trips was their Harley ride to Canada.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge where he served as Exalted Ruler. Mike was also the secretary of the Shriners and the Masonic Lodge and a member of the East Grand Plains Lions Club.

Mike worked as a Measurement Tech for a number of years for Transwestern Pipeline and Yates Petroleum. He retired from the water rights department of the Office of the State Engineer in 2017 and spent time wearing out his recliner, watching Ancient Aliens, and celebrating at the Elks.

Mike was preceded by his mother Helen Barajas and grandmother Marie Barajas. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marcia Barajas of Roswell, NM;  father Johnnie Barajas and wife, Sharon of Ruidoso, NM;  brother Steve Barajas of Roswell, NM; sister Kelly Barajas of Roswell, NM; daughter Valerie Stiles and her husband Jacob, of Odessa, TX, and their four children: Riley, Wyatt, Caden, and Carrington; son Jeff Barajas and his wife Katy of Roswell, NM, and their five children: Madison, Peyton, Sophia, Kaiden, and Kyle; son Garrett Barajas of Tulsa, OK; son Kyler Willoughby and his wife Kristina of Albuquerque, NM, and their two children Haley and Kystin as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and an abundance of friends. We will all miss him more than words can say.

Mike spent his days living his life to the fullest and loved a good celebration where a “good time was had by all.”

A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge on Saturday, March 5, 2022, from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners, an organization Mike volunteered for and felt strongly about.