Kenneth Joyce

Services are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, at Hermosa Drive Church of Christ for Kenneth C. Joyce of Artesia. Mr. Joyce, 70, went home to meet his Lord Saturday, May 28, 2005 from his home. Michael Joiner will officiate at the services with burial at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Henry Hernandez, Richard Lee, Darrell Brown, Dwayne Pounds, Don Moore, and Bob Evan Mayberry. Mr. Joyce was born July 7, 1934 in Cameron County, Texas to Lemuel Joyce and Louise Ashworth Joyce. On April 21, 1956 he married Celeste Bradshaw in Denton, Texas. He came to Artesia in 1961 from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Joyce owned and operated Joyce Nursery and Landscaping for many years. He also was retired from management of several agricultural companies. He was a long time member of the Hermosa Drive Church of Christ. He was very active for many years in the Boy Scouts of America and the Artesia Little League Association. He was the past president and a member of the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Agricultural Chemical and Plant Food Association. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Celeste Joyce of the family home; sons Michael Joyce and wife Debi of Houston, Texas, Stephen Joyce and wife Polly of Artesia, and David Joyce and wife Sharma of Artesia; daughter Kathy Turner and husband Mason of Houston; sisters Kaye Disch and husband Wayne of Overland Park, Kansas and Karen Ellis and husband Dan of Ft. Worth, Texas; sister-in-laws Linda Belvin and Ann Brady both of Artesia; grandchildren Jessica Mills of Round Rock, Texas, Justin, and Daniel Joyce of Houston, Chelsey, Danielle, Shelly, Samantha, and Zachary Joyce of Artesia, Ashton and Kiely Turner of Houston; great-grandchildren Kate and Elizabeth Mills of Round Rock; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico Christian Childrens Home, 1356 New Mexico 236, Portales, New Mexico 88130-9411; Vista Care Hospice, 611 N. Canal, Carlsbad, NM 88220, or to a charity of choice.