Donald William “Billy” Metz, 86, of Cedar Hill, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2026.

Billy was born in Durango, Colorado, a cherished son of Albert and Ruby Metz and was the fifth of eight children. He graduated from Durango High School in 1959.

On May 13, 1961, he married the love of his life, Charlotte Pargin. Their wedding date was a family tradition, shared by his parents, a sister, a brother, and a grandson.

Billy and Charlotte lived in Durango on Metz Lane until 1977, when they moved their family to Cedar Hill, New Mexico.

Above all, Billy loved the Lord and his family. He enjoyed rebuilding cars with his children and grandchildren, sharing his famous “3rd breakfast,” watching old Westerns, shooting, collecting cast-iron pans, and riding his four-wheeler sidesaddle each spring to chase irrigation water. He also took great pride in the pioneering heritage of his ancestors at Picnic Flats, Colorado.

Billy was especially proud that eight of his children and grandchildren carry at least one of his names.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Billy volunteered as a reserve deputy with the La Plata County Sheriff’s Department and spent years in construction, bridge building, asphalt and concrete paving, plumbing, welding/building wood burning stoves for his children, and heavy equipment operation. There was little he could not fix or operate.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Albert Earl Metz, Berna Deane Briggs, Wilma Root, and Carolyn Brewer; and his grandson, Brandon Burge.

Billy is survived by his devoted wife, Charlotte; his siblings, AnnaBelle Ebert, Thomas (Amelia) Metz, and Janet (Ron) Enge; his children, Christi (Kevin) Burge, Sylvia (Joey) Edwards, Wilma (Grant) Gunn, and Brett (Jenifer) Metz; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 21 nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2026, starting at 10:00 a.m., at the Metz family home, followed by Billy’s beloved 3rd Breakfast.

Billy will be remembered for his strong faith, love of family, hardworking spirit, and the traditions he passed on to those who knew and loved him.