Joseph Roy Hickman

Joseph (Joey) Roy Hickman, age 86, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. Joey was born to Joe and Maisie Hickman. He grew up in Santa Fe, NM, where he met his ex-wife, Pearl Reid, with whom he had his brood of children. He made many lifelong friends and companions from his time there (Ben, Melvin, and Cliff). The stories they share about their time together are worthy of novels. He eventually moved to Española, and this is where he put down roots in order to raise his family. He worked as a heavy equipment (mostly cranes) operator. He helped run the Hickman Family Junkyard in Alcalde. He raised his kids hunting, fishing, exploring New Mexico by car and on foot, and raising many different pets (dogs, chickens-you name it). He was a character who attracted many types of personalities and often brought people home and invited them to join his group. He was always up to sharing an Olympia beer with his pals. He may still have a bar bill waiting to be paid (these should all be directed to Justin Hickman of El Llano). He served in the Army and then in the Reserves for 7 years. He loved his dogs, his guns, his junk cars, his tobacco, and his children. He became a collector of stuff, and we think he also collected quite a reputation around northern NM.
He is survived by his children Jerry (Alice) Ball, Timothy (Leslie) Hickman, Margie (Mike) O'Neill, Adam Hickman, Jolene Herring, Julie (Mike) Hickman, Donna (Glenn) Williams, Elaine Hickman, nineteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and, of course, our Gonzales clan. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Maisie Hickman; his children, Randy Hickman, Suzy Hickman, Carlton Hickman, and Ira Hickman; and, of course, Momma Pearl.
Services will be held in Española at DeVargas Funeral Home, 623 N. Rail Ave., on April 10, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Beatrice Martinez Senior Center at 735 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Rd. from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.