Gilberto D. Carreon

GILBERT CARREON, a hero and a legend in the 50’s to all the kids in Hurley, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 17th, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He is now in the company of our LORD and his two children who he loved so much and who preceded him in death.

Gilbert was born in Columbus, New Mexico and was raised in Hurley, New Mexico, where he became a mentor and a teacher to all the town kids who loved him. He would train them in boxing and take them to boxing matches, where they won many matches. Gilbert himself had won the state championship in the Golden Gloves Tournament. He was also a powerful basketball player throughout his high school years, acting as their team captain. The basketball team made the town of Hurley proud when they won 2nd place in the state tournament, which is an accomplishment no school in Southern New Mexico had ever done. He was also the town lifeguard at the local swimming pool, where he taught many kids how to swim. A man of many talents, he also played guitar and would join his older friends wherever there was a gathering and they needed music. He was also a talented artist, and painted throughout his life. He showed and sold his paintings all over New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Right after high school graduation, he and several other students, whom were exclusively Hispanic, were drafted into the armed forces. They all served in the Army and most of them were sent to Korea where Gilbert fought on the frontlines as a tank driver. After over a year in Korea, he came home to his beloved Hurley with an honorable discharge, frostbite on his feet and stomach problems. He was hired as the first chief of police when Hurley was incorporated as a town. At that time, he also got married and began his path to college where he received a Bachelor in Arts in Education from New Mexico Western University. At this time, he started his family. Gilbert became father first to a beautiful baby girl named Elva and two years later, to a gorgeous baby boy who they named Gilbert Jr, of course.

After college, the family came to California where Gilbert was to start his teaching career. But police work was in his blood and he chose instead to join the Anaheim Police Department. He loved his job and worked diligently at it until five years into his career, while chasing a suspect, he jumped an eight foot fence, broke his leg and injured his back. Yes, the suspect got away! Due to his injuries, Gilbert was forced to retire and the family moved to a quiet town South of Riverside named Hemet. Here he continued with his love of painting. He also worked as chief of security at Soboba Casino, a well-known casino near Hemet. After five years, he retired from this job and spent his time painting and taking short weekly trips throughout California and Arizona. He loved going to Yuma, Arizona during the winter months and taking in the huge swap meet located there.

He suffered a heart attack in September, two short days before the yearly trip to New Mexico to visit family and bring back the famous Hatch Green Chile. After a hospital stay, his cardiologist decided his heart was too weak for any medical treatments, so he was brought home where he was lovingly cared for by his wife, granddaughter and very caring family friend, Mere Leal, until the end. His final days were spent listening to his favorite Western music until the early hours of November 17th, when he peacefully passed away in his sleep. Somehow so many people that he knew, from all the kids in Hurley to his grown up friends, found out about his condition, and the calls were overwhelming. People we hadn’t heard from in years were calling to say they were all praying for him. The man who had taught all those kids the difference between right and wrong, had actually made a difference in their lives. Gilbert would be happy to know this.

Gilbert is survived by his wife and soul mate of sixty five years, Mary Lou and his three beloved grandchildren, Naomi, Gilbert III and Gina.