Steven "Steve" W. Smelser, age 46, of Las Cruces passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 15, 2016 at his home. He was born January 26, 1970 in Quemado, NM and grew up in Roswell, also spending much time on his grandparent's ranch in Cuba, (Homer & Vera Smelser), where he developed skills at an early age. He was an active Boy Scout for many years and earned many merit badges as well as several championship trophies in the youth Soccer League.
He graduated from Goddard High School and attended New Mexico Military Institute, and also completed several vocational training programs. Steve was a "jack of all trades" and a master carpenter and could build or fix almost anything. He was a supervisor for Menefee Mining in Cuba, as well as Big Chief Stone in Las Cruces and Santa Fe. He did water well drilling and servicing for Rodgers & Company in Albuquerque and repaired construction heavy equipment of Schmidt Construction in Lindreth, NM.
Steve was a working partner in Pony Tracks Horseshoeing & Livestock Management Services, and did extensive work on the family ranch in Cuba. He got his CDL and did 18 wheeler "over the road" driving for Roadrunner Trucking. Steve settled in Las Cruces in 1995 and attended DACC Classes, and was a foreman for Clean Cut Lawns and Landscaping. He married Margaret Pacheco in 2002 and together they started LynCon Inc. after he obtained his GB98 contractor's license in 2003. He worked on many commercial and residential projects in Las Cruces including renovating the Hotel Encanto lobby and transforming the restaurant into Azul Night Club. Currently he was the Quality Control Supervisor for GenCon Inc. on the Burrell College of Osteopathic in Las Cruces adjacent to the NMSU campus which is near completion.
Steve was also an active working partner in Animal Haven Lodge, Salon & Kennel on Valley Drive, which he and his wife Margaret started in 2008 during the housing market slump. He built the entire state of the art facility and also performed certified dog grooming service for several years as well as other operational duties. Steve and Margaret both received commendations from the Spay and Neuter Action Program and the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley for promoting and assisting with the adoption of homeless animals and providing services for homeless pet. He was an animal lover of all species.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman and skilled hunter and fisherman, accomplishing successful deer, elk and dove hunts every year. He also enjoyed boating and fishing at Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes. Steve held a red belt in Ninjitsu under Master Eric Golden.
Survivor include his wife, Margaret, two children whom Steve cherished, daughter, Amber, age 12 and son Jarrett, age 6 as well as several sisters, Sherisse Hughes of Thousand Oaks, CA, Clair Strong of Tucumcari, Shaun Macaw of Roswell; three brothers, Whitney Smelser of Los Angeles, CA, Paul Moyer of Albuquerque and Jonathan Smelser of Cuba; his mother, Julie Smelser of Las Cruces and father, Worthington Smelser of Cuba; Sam Smelser who was his mentor, friend, and uncle, plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins aunts and uncles.
Steve was an amazing young man who did so much and helped so many in his 46 years and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donation be made in his memory, to the Animal Haven's Friends for Life Rescue a non-profit organization founded by Steven and Margaret Smelser, C/O First Light FCU.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM Friday, April 22, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Boutz Road with Reverend Dr. Norm Story officiating. A potluck fellowship will be held following the service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road 527-2222. For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com
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