Merl Guess, 84, a lifelong resident of Deming passed away Sunday April 10, 2016 in Alamogordo.

Merl was born March 10, 1932 in Peacock, Texas to Claude A. and Edna Maude Waldrop Guess. His family came to Deming shortly thereafter and in 1952 John entered the United States Army serving his country honorably during the Korean War. Upon his return he managed filling stations in Lordsburg and later moved to Deming where he owned and operated a pump and well service business. He was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Akela.

He is survived by his wife, Betty M. Guess of Deming; children, Johnny Lee Guess (Tammy) of Colorado City, TX, Denny Reeves (Judy) of Denver, CO, Carolyn Guess of Alamogordo, CO, Arlinda Reeves and Daleen Reeves of Phoenix, AZ, Phyllis Gallegos of CA; sister, Nadine Moore of Separ, NM; grandchildren, Cody Guess (Kasi), Brian Stanbrough (Ryann), Lynette Tucker (Justin), Brandon Stanbrough (Charlotte) Lonnie Gallegos (Lisa), Joe Gallegos, Jennifer Reeves, Kimberly Fentress (Brice), Eric Prichard, and ShiAnne Reeves, and 12 great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and 1 brother.

Visitation will be Friday April 15, 2016 from 4 to 7 at Baca's Funeral Chapel where funeral services will begin Saturday morning at 10:30 with Pastors Pete Buresh and Bruce Medlin officiating. Concluding services with honors will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ted Reeves, Brian Stanbrough, Brandon Stanbrough, Steven Yandell, Denny Reeves and Justin Tucker.