John Arthur Smith entered eternal life on the Lord’s Day – Sunday, October 6, 2024. His family is grateful to have had a lifetime of love and happiness with him until his passing.
John Arthur is best known for his service to the state of New Mexico as a state senator from 1989 to 2020. He felt a sense of duty to New Mexico and responsibility to Deming, his hometown. He often said that as a child growing up in Deming, the people in the community were good to him. It is from the goodness of people that he wanted to repay his community and his state. He often expressed that it is the responsibility of each generation to leave the world a better place for the next generation. His family would like for all individuals wishing to pay tribute to him to do so by engaging in good/positive actions in their communities.
John Arthur was born July 7, 1941 to Benjamin Franklin Smith and Norma Belle Smith (Greene). Additionally, his brother’s Benny Ray Smith and James Franklin (Jimmy) Smith preceded him in passing.
He is survived by his Deming High School sweetheart, wife of 63 years, Janette Smith (Supak); two son, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild (with another on the way). Son, Anthony Smith (wife Sylvia) and their children Daniel and Sasha. Son, John David (wife Diana) and their children Braxton (wife Jackie) with baby inbound and Addi Smith-Pizzala (husband Drew), and their son Urban (great grandson).
Visitation for Senator John Arthur Smith will begin Friday, October 18, 2024 from 9 to 10 o’clock in the morning at Holy Family Catholic Church (612 S. Copper St. Deming, NM 88030) with the Holy Rosary to then be recited at 10 led by Suzanne Lundy. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 with Fr. Prakasham Babu, Pastor, officiating. Services will be live streamed. The family of Mr. John Arthur Smith ask that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Deming Luna County Cancer Support Foundation and any other donations that can be made towards the County of Luna in which he represented and loved for many years.
Receiving the honor to serve as Senator John’s pallbearers will be Mark Strand, Michael Strand, Kevin Strand, Kevin Zachek, Braxton Smith, and Daniel Smith.
Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.