Carlton Lee Smith

Carlton Lee Smith, 83, of Artesia, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026 in Artesia, surrounded by family. 

He was a lifelong barber who took pride not only in his work, but in the relationships it created. Alongside his brother Curly, he owned and operated the Roselawn Barber Shop, following working at numerous barbershops in the area including Monterey Shopping Center in Roswell with brother, Donald. The barbershop was a place of connection and conversation, where he knew everyone, and their families, and was always ready with a story. A devoted follower of Jesus, his faith quietly shaped the way he lived, serving others with kindness, patience, and humility. In his younger years, he had a natural gift with horses and worked with family in the Sacramento area, training and leasing horses. He also had a deep love of music, playing the fiddle, guitar, and bass guitar, and he joyfully passed that love on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Easygoing and deeply relational, he leaves behind a legacy of faith, craftsmanship, music, storytelling, and community. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Alvy and Emma Smith; his son Kevin Lee Smith; his siblings Alvy, Sonny, Blix, Milton, Cliff, Curly, Angie "Sis", W.L, and Don; his grandson Dakota; and his son-in-law Rick Howes.

Carlton is survived by his wife Mary Judy Smith; brother Donald Smith (Royne); his children Carri Howes, Donnie Smith, Jennifer Coats (Allen), Chris Barker (Sara); his grandchildren Heather (Ryne), Megan (Jose), Chelsi, Josh (Kendall), Jacob (Ariel), and Jordan (Teryn), Jed, Bailey, Rainie (Jonah), Reba, Brooke, Hannah, Albree, Judah; and his great grandchildren Gianna, Jase, Maeve, Alexander, Hunter, Ryatt, River, Kenzie, Gael, Kendall, Taylor, Payton, Brandon, Brea, Brantley.

Services are scheduled at 10 am Tuesday, January 20, at Trinity Temple Assembly of God for Carlton Lee Smith of Artesia, New Mexico. Bobby Argo will officiate at the services with burial to follow at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jacob Smith, Jordan Smith, Ryne Williams, Jose Hernandez, Chris Barker, Paul Alvarez, Jeff Smith, Chris Smith. Honorary Pallbearer will be his brother, Donald Smith.Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary from 4 to 6 pm on Monday, January 19.