Joe Smith

One of the last great cowboys Joe Robert Smith of Capitan passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the age of 90. He was born September 7, 1919 in Seymour, TX to Joe Edward and Nannie Smith and grew up in Halfway TX. He is survived by sister Lucille Witten of Plainview, TX, and brother J.H. Smith Betty of Amarillo, TX.Daughters Madelyn Leusing Thomas and Jo WrightChapman Chuck both of Lubbock, Judy Nichols Fred of Ida, LA, Joy Wrye Bill of Estancia, NM. Sons Jeff Myers Gerry of Odessa, TX, Bo Myers of Coppell, TX,, Joe Lee Smith Rose of Lincoln, NM and Wes Smith Cindy of Stephensville, TX. 14 grand kids and 19 great grand kids and a host of adopted family and friends as well as his special horses Rio and Roanie. He was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church, Capitan, NM.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three loving wives Dolly Williams Smith, Martha Myers Smith and Lucille Latiner Smith Siblings Mary Alice DeArman, Lillien Brown, Cecil and C.G. Smith, son Jay Vance and grandson Sgt. Joshua Holt.

Joe lived his life to the fullest and you never had to guess where you stood with him. He worked cattle drives from Mexico, worked on ranches though out West Texas and New Mexico, was a bronc rider, and saddle maker. He worked for the Flagg Ranch for over 25 years helping start one of the 1st Feedlots in the area. He retired to Ruidoso and then later to Capitan.

Joe was active in the Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse and participated in many of their Pony Express Rides. He led the Trail Drive of the Millennium from Roswell thru Lincoln and was the Poster Boy for the Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo.

Celebration of his life will be led by Floyd Goodloe 200 P.M. Wednesday July at the Rodeo Grounds in Capitan weather permitting. In case of rain it will be moved to the Trinity Baptist in Capitan. The family has requested memorials to The Ranching Heritage Center P.O. Box 43200 Lubbock, TX 79409 or your favorite charity.