Jonathan Marquez

Jonathan, a free thinker, free spirit, and artist with a deep love for the natural world, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Des Moines, New Mexico. He lived life on his own terms, guided by creativity, independence, and an abiding appreciation for the quiet beauty found beyond convention and expectation.

Jonathan was born on January 24, 1964, in Clayton, New Mexico, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, later known as Union County General Hospital, to John Arthur Marquez and Barbara Ann Garcia. He was brought home to his Grandmother Essie’s house in Clayton, where he briefly lived with his mother, Barbara, and was lovingly spoiled by his aunts as the family’s “new” baby.

At the time of Jonathan’s birth, his father was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. Mother Barbara and baby Jonathan soon joined John in Tacoma, where the family lived until John’s deployment to Germany. After John returned from military service, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Jonathan spent several years surrounded by extended family.

Work later took the family to Denver, Colorado, where Jonathan and his sister, Bridgett, were enrolled in school. From an early age, Jonathan was very athletic and demonstrated exceptional self taught gymnastic ability. His mother, Barbara, fondly recalled an acrobatic performance in which Jonathan confidently flipped across a stage without falling or requiring a spot—an early display of his fearlessness, coordination, and natural talent.

The family later relocated to Dumas, Texas, where Jonathan spent his junior high years and much of high school, before returning to Clayton, New Mexico, to complete his senior year. After graduation, Jonathan remained in Clayton for a period of time, where he lovingly cared for his elderly grandmother. During this time, he provided companionship and support, demonstrating a quiet sense of responsibility and devotion to family that reflected his compassionate nature.

He later began working various jobs, often moving to be near family members. His first path led him into road construction, where he operated heavy equipment alongside his Uncle Greg. From there, he returned to Denver, Colorado, spending time near Uncle Jerry’s family while working in the food industry. Although Jonathan deeply loved nature, he also enjoyed the energy of the big city and the new experiences it brought—especially the music of the time, as sounds transitioned from disco to funk and soul.

Jonathan’s next move took him to Guymon, Oklahoma, where he worked in the meatpacking industry alongside several relatives. In the early 1990s, true to his free spirit and love of the outdoors, he moved to his father’s ranch outside Des Moines, New Mexico. There, Jonathan began building his own living quarters while helping maintain the family ranch.

To supplement his income, Jonathan worked several years in railroad transport services, until the service was discontinued in the area. He later worked for a company responsible for maintaining the roadside rest area outside Des Moines.

By his own description, Jonathan was a self taught artist, though many who knew him believed he possessed a God given talent that deserved wider recognition. Despite encouragement from family and friends to pursue his art professionally, Jonathan’s introverted nature led him to create for personal fulfillment rather than public acclaim.

Life on the ranch suited Jonathan well, offering daily opportunities for hiking, cave exploration, and work on his art. Family members fondly recall the many nature expeditions Jonathan led—often followed by late night folklore, scary stories, and fire lit evenings around the campfire. He was remembered for his jolly nature and his willingness to keep visiting children happily entertained, whether through art lessons, clay sculpting, painting, or letting them exhaust themselves on the gymnastic equipment inside his building.

In 2012, Jonathan suffered a hip injury while hiking, which eventually led to disability and a more sedentary way of life. Even so, he remained faithful to the spirit in which he had always lived—independent, thoughtful, and connected to the land around him. In the end, Jonathan passed as he wished, true to himself and his free spirited nature.

Jonathan is preceded in death by his father, John Marquez, and his sister, Bridgett Hyde. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Marquez of Dumas, Texas; his brother, Jaret Marquez of Fritch, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Private burial will take place at the Marquez Ranch in Des Moines. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Dumas, 500 N. Maddox Ave.