Francisco Mesa

1923 - 2017

Francisco "Frank" Urquidi Mesa, age 93, of Fairacres, New Mexico, took his final breath on Earth, January 29, 2017. Always God's Faithful Servant and a most-dedicated Farmer, it seems only fitting that Frank chose Sunday, his devoted "day of rest," to journey to his permanent Home in Heaven.

Frank was born November 9, 1923, in Fort Stockton, Texas, to Francisco and Dolores "Lola" Mesa. He spent his early years in Fort Stockton, graduating alongside classmates of the first integrated high school, was drafted into the US Navy at age 18, and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii for during World War II. Returning from the War, Frank found it difficult to secure employment and at the urging of his sister Lou, enrolled at New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Art (what is now New Mexico State University). Despite the early-death of his father during the initial days of his studies, he completed his Business Degree in 1950. It was during this time that Frank was introduced to a handful of people who offered support to him and his family and secured his strong value of commitment. He declined an offer from Sears Roebucks' accounting department and instead began an 18-year devotion to Simpson Farms, in gratitude for the Simpsons allowing his family to remain on the farm after his father's death. Frank married in 1954 and left Simpson Farms in 1968, having recently acquired his own 70-acre farm, determined, alongside his wife, to leave "something for his children." Frank was a humble man, devoted to his family and bound to the Earth that challenged, intrigued and blessed him. At age 88, he was still seen carrying his shovel across the irrigated pecan orchard, delighted with the fruits of his labor, the beautiful skies and the open space that provided peaceful solitude.

Frank is survived by his children, sons, Raymond of Des Moines, Iowa and Gilbert Mesa (Barbara) of El Paso, Texas; daughters, Patsy Alvillar (Armando) and Rebecca Mesa (Dorothy) of Fairacres, New Mexico; one sister, Eva Avalos of Las Cruces and one brother, Henry, of El Paso, Texas. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Rogelio (Crystal), Naomi (Armando), Michael (Valoria), Emilio, Evan and Estevan; seven great-grandchildren, Kayla, Isaiah, Jade, Elias, Aliah, Ezekiel and Xavier; brothers and sisters-in law, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his extended family of current caregivers, Angelica, Adriana, and Alejandra, previous caregivers, and devoted physician, Silvia Sierra, MD.

We recognize the staff at Mesilla Valley Hospice, who welcomed Dad with a special touch of dignity, love and tenderness that helped guide him on his final journey Home.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, wife Becky (2009), son Frankie (2001), brother Willie, and sisters Lou and Ophelia.

Please join us in the celebration of the life of a most gracious gentleman and Gentle Man. Visitation for Frank will begin at 9am, Saturday, February 4, 2017, at St. Albert the Great Newman Center, 2615 S. Solano, with the Prayer Vigil to follow at 10am and Funeral Liturgy at 10:30am, also at St. Albert's. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Masonic Cemetery. Officiating will be Fr. Alejandro Reyes.

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, corner of Solano and Bowman Ave. in Las Cruces New Mexico. To logon to our online guestbook please log onto www.GetzCares.com.