Joel W. Barrett

Joel W. Barrett, 29, of Carlsbad, NM, passed away October 9, 2025. Services are pending with Denton-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, October 24, 2025 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Joel William Barrett was born June 20, 1996 in Carlsbad, NM to Dawnell Westfall and Bill Barrett. He grew up in Carlsbad and attended school at Pate Elementary, Alta Vista Middle School, and graduated from Carlsbad High with the class of 2014.

Joel was a handful as a boy, was always on the go, climbing everything and being a pest to his older brothers. He was the protector of his little sister. Joel played baseball for National Little League, wrestled with Little Caveman Wrestling, played football with Little Caveman, wrestled and played football in high school. He excelled in both because of his size and his attitude.

Joel went into the U.S. Army right after high school. He served 2 years and was discharged. Joel attended college at SENMC and was always an eager student. He loved to learn and he was always eager to share his knowledge.

Joel’s heart was as big as he was. He loved fiercely and only wanted that love returned just as fierce. Joel was the life of the party, a born leader…his stature and his personality took up the whole room. He was one of a kind. There will never be another like him. You were blessed if you ever got to meet him and know him. He was a true friend. We will all miss his big smile, his big laugh, and those big bear hugs.

Joel was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Charles and Janet Barrett; maternal grandpa, John Westfall, and his friend Isiah Douglas, the one he has missed since the day he lost him.

He is survived by his mom, Dawnell Westfall Gaytan and Javier of Carlsbad; his father, Bill Barrett and Gail of Vermont; brother, Johnathan Cotz and Sarah of Browns Valley, CA; brother, Joshua Barrett and Kari of Vermont; sister, Jaelee Bourque of Carlsbad; grandmother, Brenda Westfall; Uncle Jimmy Westfall and Kari of Carlsbad; uncle John Westfall and Annella of Carlsbad, and a very large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Johnathan Cotz, Josh Barrett, Javier Gaytan, Justin Valenzuela, Jimmy Westfall, Jimma Westfall.