Joseph Shamas, Jr.

Joseph Joe Bashara Shamas, Jr., 85, of RoswellNew Mexico passed away October 19, 2014. Joe was born to Joseph Bashara Shamas, Sr. and Almaza Dahtar Shamas on January 5, 1929 in Douglas, Arizona. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Janette Paul Shamas, four sisters, Mabel Shamas, Annie David, Martha Myers and Gloria Mize, one brother Ralph D. Shamas, and one granddaughter Jill Georgeann Gardner. Joe is survived by one sister, Joanna Lyle, two daughters, Bonnie Berry and her husband Tom of Roswell, Denise Gardner of Bedford, TX, two sons, Phillip Shamas of Roswell and Greg Shamas and his wife Martha of Albuquerque, 11 grandchildren, Lisa Nicholson, Joshua Berry, Chris Gardner, Ty Gardner, Ashley Boss, Brian Shamas, Sandra Trombala, Joseph Shamas, Emilia Shamas, Eric Shamas, Michael Shamas, 18 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Joseph Shamas, Sr. moved to Roswell in the 1940s and opened Shamas Food Markets. Joe Jr. purchased the stores and continued operating and expanding them, not only becoming a wellrespected businessman but becoming a friend and everpresent help to the people who passed through his doors. When he sold the stores in 1985, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to enter the real estate business in addition to owning several car lots and other businesses. Joe, in the tradition of his father and brother, cared deeply for and loved the people of Roswell and Chaves County. He, without any fanfare or seeking any recognition, lived out his faith by helping countless families in need over the years and was a lifelong supporter of the Poor Clare Monastery.

A viewing will be open to the public and condolences to the family will be received from 5:00 7:00 pm Friday, October 24, 2014 at Ballard Funeral Home, 910 S. Main, Roswell. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at South Park Cemetery with Father Charlie Martinez, OFM of St. Peters Catholic Church officiating, on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

Serving as pallbearers are Joshua Berry, Brian Shamas, Ty Gardner, Chris Gardner, Joseph Shamas, Eric Shamas and Michael Shamas.

The family wishes to thank Joes dedicated doctors, Dr. Adajar and Dr. Pinon, the staff of Emeritus Senior Living at Roswell, Cathy and the staff at Mission Arch Care and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and professional care. Donations may be made in memory of Joe to Poor Clare Monastery, 809 E. 19th St., Roswell, NM, 88201. May those who loved him and cared for him be blessed.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, October 24, 2014
5:00 to 7:00 pm

Service

Graveside Service

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, October 25, 2014
10:00 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

809 E. 19th St.
Roswell, NM  88201