Rusty Regan Herrera

Rusty Herrera, 47, of Farmington, New Mexico passed away on June 8, 2026. He was born on September 10, 1978, in Durango, Colorado to Brad and Lynn Herrera.

Rusty Herrera was the kind of cowboy you don’t forget. He lived life on his own terms—with a free spirit, a wild heart, and a smile that could make anyone feel welcome.

He loved the things that mattered most to him: hunting lions with hounds, roping, good horses, good dogs, and the cowboy way of life. Whether he was on horseback, following a pack of hounds, or sitting around sharing stories, Rusty was right where he belonged.

What made Rusty special wasn’t just what he did—it was how he treated people. He always had a piece of candy in his pocket for a kid and a kind word for anyone who crossed his path. He had a gift for making people feel like they mattered, like they were somebody. No matter who you were, Rusty would lend a hand if you needed one.

He loved kids, dogs, horses, and the simple joys of life. A toddy or a cold beer with friends, a good horse beneath him, and a day spent outdoors were about all he needed.

Rusty was one of those rare souls who left an impression everywhere he went. He lived hard, laughed often, gave freely, and loved deeply. The world could use a few more cowboys like him.

A true cowboy, a loyal friend, and a one-of-a-kind man who will never be forgotten.

Rusty is survived by his loving wife Candace Herrera, sons Rank Herrera, Louk Thomas, and Baylor Thomas, daughters Maddilyn Munkres (Brayden), and Tenley Thomas, parents Brad and Lynn Herrera, brother Jess Johnson (Leann), sister Keylie Tatum (Brett), nephew Pecos Tatum, nieces Tailor and Haylee Johnson, and grandchild Blevins Munkres (Maddilyn and Brayden Munkres). 

A memorial service for Rusty will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday June 13, 2026, at Marvel Colorado Grange (217 CO Rd 133 Marvel, CO 81329).