Herbert Steven Muniz

Herbert Steven Muniz, "Herb or Herbie", 1964-2020

Herbie was born on February 9, 1964 in Rome, New York to his parents Herb Sr. and Mary Jane Farmer Muniz.

He was laid to rest by the Lord on December 18, 2020 due to Covid-19 related complications.

Herbie is survived by his wife Wendy (Underwood) Muniz, whom he married on  New Years Eve ( 1993-1994) in Las Vegas, Nevada 27 years ago this next week in a self- described marriage of  ".. rare and timeless passion".  Together, they raised 5 beautiful children; Jessica and Dylan Muniz (with former spouse, Stacy Bailey), Ayse and Richard (Ricky) Muniz, and Megan (Falen) and husband Henry Valenzuela.

Brandon Hightower and Amber Underwood (nephew and niece) were always part of the family and adventures.

Herbies grandchildren are, Dominic Muniz, Eli Cuellar, Maddox Merritt, Nikolas, Jeremiah, Rhiannon, Maximus, and Xaniel Valenzuela, Elijah Freedom and Kenzie Hightower (Brandon's children).

Herbie is also survived by his mother, Mary Jane Farmer and husband Samuel Aubel, father Herb Sr. and wife Rose Muniz, mother-in-law Ayla Hightower.

Siblings are Natalie Lopez, Michaela (Muniz) Huizar, April Thomas, Sarah and husband Bret Bennett; brother-in-law, Richard (Rick) Underwood, and sister-in-law,  Tammy Underwood. Many cousins, aunts, uncles, and countless close friends that absolutely adored him.

Herbie graduated from Alamogordo Senior High School in 1982, and went to welding trade school in El Paso, TX.  He was a Class-A Lineman for the majority of his career. His work ethics and skills were remarkable, just as everything else that his hands ever touched. He loved to work and provide for his family. He was extremely dependable, punctual and always offering to help others if or when need be, on or off the job.

He was a brilliant man.  He was the only one at Texas New Mexico Power Co. to have ever aced the lineman's safety test at that time and maybe even to this day?!  While working at Wire Dynamix, he was the only one in that company to have ever aced the safety test as well. The CEO/Owner came to him and shook his hand, remarking that he invented the product and company, and he didn't even know all the answers to the questions on the test!!  He was quite impressed.  He also received the highest award in Auto Mechanics Class.  He loved spending time in his garage creating, inventing, rewiring objects for top speed or higher performance.  His brother-in-law Rick hopped on a cycle one time for a quick spin and ended up looking like a yard sale not far from where he started!  Cracked his watch, etc.  Another time his friend Dion Dulany was circling around yard, faster and faster, when the dog stopped and stood right in middle of path causing him to detour and high-centering him on top of debris pile, with the front of go kart wedged through garage door, with  back tires still spinning!  HILARIOUS -

Herbie is known for many things, not least of which include his infamous silence,  EPIC stories,  clever hijinks, blunt candor,  unmatched work ethic,  MacGyver-level resourcefulness  and unfailing humor, and of course the infamous Herbie Shuffle Dance (James Brown style -fastest moving feet), combined with his endless love for his family, fueled his perseverance and resilience throughout his life.

He had boundless love for his family and went to great lengths to serve as the family patriarch, often playing father to anyone who needed one, whether they liked it or not.

His hobbies include a healthy mixture of  tinkering in garage while jamming out to Stevie Ray Vaughn, Metallica and Michael Jacksons ' Billy Jean'   randomly thrown in the mix.  He loved dancing with his wife anywhere, anytime, practicing guitar, watching boxing, old westerns, and drag racing, but most importantly spending quality time with his family, shooting guns with the kids, riding  cycles in the desert and rock hunting  with his wife, kids and family friends.  

Herbie's memory will live on as he was never one to miss an opportunity to lend a helping hand, spread wisdom, encased with jokes and tough truths. His legendary mustache and prickly forehead kisses will be forever missed.

He was an unforgettable man to those who had the privilege of being in his presence. He's irreplaceable to us, the ones that loved and lived for every shared moment or memory. 

Due to the Pandemic, celebration of life services will be planned for 2021.  A private virtual service will be held for close family and  friends. 

The Muniz family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.

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