Ysmael Mejia

Services are scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at Terpening Son Chapel for Ysmael Smiley Mejia, 1307 W. Ray Ave., Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Mejia, 83, died Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in Artesia, New Mexico.

Rev. Monty Leavell will officiate at the services with burial at Hagerman Cemetery, Hagerman, N.M. Pallbearers will be Ralph Mejia, Eric Mejia, Rufus Choate, Ron Burnett, Adam Reyes, and Aaron Reyes. Visitation will be at Terpening Son Mortuary beginning at 10 a.m. Friday.

Smiley was born March 12, 1930 in Needles, California the son of Matt Mejia and Tina Luna Mejia.

On July 25, 1961 he was married to Barbara Foster in Winter Haven, California.

After a 25 year career with the Department of Defense, Smiley moved with his wife and children to DeWitt, Arkansas where he began a second career in law enforcement. He was employed by Arkansas County Sheriffs Department as a Deputy for 15 years. Upon his retirement, he and his family came to New Mexico in 1996 fulfilling a lifelong dream. He attended First United Methodist Church, enjoyed bass fishing, target shooting and working with horses and cattle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter Felicia Mejia.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Mejia of Artesia sons Ralph Mejia of Artesia, and Eric Mejia and wife Terri of Navarre, Florida grandchildren Ashton Montgomery, Audrey Mejia, and Jessica Mejia greatgrandchild Harrison Montgomery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee