Joseph DeHerrera

Joseph DeHerrera, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was born June 22, 1962, in Brighton, Colorado, to Charlie and Salomé “Sally” (Garcia) DeHerrera. He departed this life on December 19, 2025.

Joseph spent most of his life in Liberal, Kansas, where he raised his two daughters, Michelle and Jessica. His grandchildren were the center of his world, and he especially enjoyed attending family gatherings such as birthday parties and graduations. He was proud that his oldest grandson was named after him.

Joseph began working in the oil fields at the age of 16 and spent much of his life in that line of work. He was a simple man who often walked wherever he needed to go and enjoyed stopping by to visit and say hello. After the passing of the love of his life, Bonnie, on December 23, 2004, Joseph lived somewhat of a nomadic life. Friends in Muskogee nicknamed him “Navajo Joe,” though to many others he was known as “Jolly.”

Survivors include his daughter, Michelle DeHerrera of Muskogee, Oklahoma; grandsons Joseph Rodriguez, Xzavier Rodriguez, and Nicco Zamora, all of Muskogee; and Tom Rodriguez of Muskogee. He is also survived by his daughter Jessica Bin and husband Nath Bin of Liberal, Kansas, and their children Kyrie Bin, Maddock Bin, and Saya Mae Bin.

Additional survivors include five siblings: Don DeHerrera and wife Jody of Elkhart, Kansas; Arlene DeHerrera of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Christine Lozano and husband John of Elkhart, Kansas; Alex DeHerrera of Elkhart, Kansas; and Mable “Bebe” DeHerrera of Elkhart, Kansas. He is also survived by one uncle, Floyd Garcia of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and one aunt, Selena Garcia of Mora, New Mexico.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie DeHerrera (December 23, 2004); his parents; four brothers; and twin granddaughters, Alexandria and Jodicey DeHerrera Cadena (September 14, 1999).

Joseph will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones. He was laid to rest in Elkhart, Kansas.