Joe Neal Haggerton

Joe Neal Haggerton entered this world on October 31, 1938, and he departed for heaven on January 5, 2026, at age 87. He was one of 10 children (5 boys and 5 girls) born to Albert Wideman and Mary Inez Clayton Haggerton of Lovington, NM.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son Jody Haggerton in 2017, a grandson Jason Riley, brothers Donny and Tommy, sisters Ruby, Sherry, Linda and Patsy.

Surviving brothers are Dave (Ava) from Ovalo, TX, Ronald “Butch” (Carla) from Tatum, NM, and sister Sammy Houston (Sonny) from Lovington, NM. Also surviving are his wife Darlene from Mineola TX, children Sherry Riley (Wayne) from Tenaha, TX, Kelly Joe (Melodia) near Lubbock, TX, Nancy Moll (Lance) from Eads, TN, and April Harpold (Lynn) from Oak Point, TX.

Grandchildren include Sherry’s (Jeremy, Jenney, Jesse, Tray, Sylvester, Demario, Tavares, Emmanuel, and twins Braxton and Kristina); Kelly’s (Isabelle, Jayden); Nancy’s (Cady Jones, Bobby Ross Cameron, Audrey Moll); Jody’s (Jake, Jenna); April’s (Addie, Evie). His 20 Great-Grandkids are a true blessing to Joe and Darlene. Joe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe graduated from Lovington High School in 1957. He was a hard worker and a jack of many trades, including racehorse jockey, sports store guru, boat motor mechanic, ranch manager, community water field manager, and an old cowboy who loved watching his PBR.

Joe was truly “a good man to know”. He had a vast knowledge of horses, boats, small equipment, whose loose livestock belonged to whom, and all things rodeo. He was a good neighbor, a good friend to many, and loved to help his church and community. He loved horses and would tell anyone who would listen about his rodeo days, bull riding, bronc riding, and being a racehorse jockey.

The love of his life was his wife of 59 years Ruby Darlene. They moved from Lubbock to the Hoard community of Mineola in 1975. He would go around singing country songs that were about “Ruby”. Joe will be truly missed by his family and friends, and his passing leaves a sadness in our hearts when we dwell on it; but we can just imagine him in heaven, free of pain and disabilities, and possibly leading others on the best trail ride. And of course, solving ALL the crossword puzzles!

A memorial service for Joe will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Smith Chapel Methodist Church in Mineola with Pastor Jim Pickens officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 AM.

If desired, donations in memory of Joe Haggerton can be made to Helping Hands c/o Smith Chapel Methodist Church, PO Box 519, Mineola, TX 75773.