Richard Fresquez Leyba, 86, longtime Deming resident passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 at his home.

Richard was born October 25, 1931 to Juanita Fresquez and Blas Leyba Sr. in Deming. Richard was a 1950 graduate of Deming High School. He served his country honorably in the U S Army from 1950 to 1953 as an Airborne Ranger of the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. His decorations included the Korean Service Medal and Bronze Service Star. On return home he served in the Luna County National Guard. On August 7, 1955 he married Petra "Patsy" Flores at Saint Ann's Catholic Church where he was a lifelong member. Following his military service, he began work at Meadows Office Supply. He purchased the business in 1974 and renamed it The Deming Office Supply and operated the business until 2000 at which time he retired. Richard was a very respected businessman and member of the Deming Community. His business was the "Go To" merchant for office supplies, sporting goods, and tournament trophies.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Petra "Patsy" Leyba, of the home ; son, Ricardo "Rick" (Colleen) of Dallas, TX; 5 daughters, Sylvia (Eloy) Hernandez of Arlington, TX; Cynthia (Alex) Quintero and Cecilia Leyba both of Mansfield, TX ; Olivia (John) Tucker and Lydia (Tim) Smylie both of Burleson, TX; brothers, Raul Leyba of Tempe, AZ, Eddie Leyba of Albuquerque and Blas Jr. of Las Cruces; 12 grandchildren, Eloy, Claudia, Joshua, Alisha, Fabian, Albert, Matthew, Julia, Victoria, Trent, Alyssa and Hanna; 8 great-grandchildren, Emma, Eloy, Ethan, Harper, Celena, Savana, Seraphina and Fabian Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita F. Tena and Blas B. Leyba Sr.

Gathering will begin at 8:30 Saturday morning, January 6, 2018, at Saint Ann's Catholic Church where the rosary will be recited at 9:30 led by Suzanne Lundy. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 o'clock. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Father Ron Machado will officiate, and veteran honors will be accorded.

Serving as pallbearers will be Rick Leyba, Manny Marrufo, Ricky Ortiz, Moses Pastran, Albert Torres and Fabian Zamora.

Honorary bearers named are Miguel Marrufo, Joshua Quintero and Lee Cook-Jordan.