Ronald Joe DeMasters

Ronald (Ronnie) Joe DeMasters, age 79, of Belen, NM passed away on September 7, 2023. He was born on November 9, 1943 to the home of Joseph L. and Kathryn M. DeMasters in Albuquerque, NM. He graduated from Belen High School in 1961. After graduating, he worked for the railroad and left to pursue his passion of hunting in 1970 in Chama, NM, becoming a guide and outfitter and working hard to improve the hunting in NM. He was a past member of the NM Safari Club, National Elk Foundation, National Sheep Foundation, and was the past president and member of the NM Outfitter Association. He opened the DeMasters Lodge for hunting and B&B. In 1999, he moved back to Belen where he continued working in public works, and then retired as a construction inspector for Tierra West LLC.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph L. DeMasters and Kathryn Moore DeMasters; and a great grandson, Malachi Gallegos.
He is survived by his children, Carrie Jo Culpepper (husband Paul), Rhonda Jo Gorrell (husband Jim), Thomas A. Severinghaus Jr., Shawna DeMasters, and Kevin James DeMasters (Wife Kristin). Grandchildren: Kayla Boyd, Mitchell Culpepper, Chance Perkins, Danielle Perkins, Latosha Gorrell, Lane Gorrell, Ethan Gorrell, Keith Severinghaus, Hunter Castaldi, Jessie Vestal, Sterling Vestal, Rylee DeMasters and 8 great grandchildren.
Dad will always be remembered by how he could build anything, and solve any problem. To us, he was bigger than life. He was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date in the mountains he loved.
Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., (505) 864-4448, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com.
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