Donald Beyer

Donald "Donnie" Beyer was born in El Paso, Texas on Friday, Sept. 13, 1946. After a short but courageous battle with cancer, Donnie passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 8, 2012. Donnie is survived by his wife, Marlena; his children, Elizabeth (Art) Johnson, Shara (Ryan) Satterfield, Josh Beyer, Tyler (Ashley) Beyer. Donnie's six grandchildren, Randi and Cori Johnson, Kameryn Baker, Jaxon Beyer, McKenzie and Madison Satterfield, all of Mesilla Park and Las Cruces, N.M. Donnie was anxiously awaiting the birth of his seventh grandchild, Adelyn Faith Beyer. Donnie was cared for with love by his father-in-law and partner-in-crime, Chester Tomei, and his loving mother-in-law, Kay Toemi. He also is survived by his sisters, Sharon Garrison, Suzi (Joel) Stoltzfus and Kathy (Don) Neidigk, and his brother, David (Sheryl) Beyer. Donnie will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He walked in life with his business partner, farming partner, hunting companion, nephew and best friend, Kip Garrison. Waiting for Donnie in heaven, sitting on the tailgate of an old pickup truck, in a beautiful field of green alfalfa, with a cooler full of ice cold beer are Donnie's mom and dad, Lonnie and Geraldine Beyer, his brother-in-law and friend, Virgil Garrison, his friends, Joe Isaacs, Don Richardson, Lyman Robberson, Mike Lutz, Sr., Mac Baker, Russ Hall, Fred Morris, and the rest of his amazing pit crew in heaven. Donnie led a full and exciting life. He began a lifelong racing career at the age of 13, and won his first race at age 15. He went through life racing anything and everything with wheels, Jeeps, dune buggies, Sprint cars, Midgets, IMCA Modifieds, late models, trucks, and a short-lived time on motorcycles. The highlights of his racing career are many and numerous. Donnie made his living working on and loving cars. He owned B&G Automotive, which he started with his brother-in-law, Virgil Garrison. Donnie quit racing in 1999, and quickly filled his "spare" time with farming when his father fell ill. He continued to work his father's family farm and eventually went into custom farming with his business partners, Kip Garrison and Sharon Garrison, forming B&G Farms. Donnie's family, his wife, his children and his grandchildren were the loves and lights of his life. He loved hunting with all his "boys," spending long weekends camping and four wheeling, and Jeep trips with his friends and family. He spent his life being a gentleman, an honest businessman and a hard worker, no matter what the job. He was a hero to so many and will be truly missed. At Donnie's request, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, July 13, 2012 in First Baptist Church, 106 S. Miranda St. with Larry Hawkins officiating. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88005 or to Cowboys for Cancer Research, C/O Mike Black, PO Box 202, Doña Ana, NM 88032. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory. 527-2222. Your exclusive providers of "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.