It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved David Smith on Monday, September 1, 2025, in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. David began his life on February 15, 1950, in Deming, New Mexico. David's childhood was spent at the El Paso Natural Gas, Deming Station. After attending school in Deming, David served in Vietnam earning The Bronze Star. After Vietnam, David worked for Walter Shultz and then worked construction on the Playas Smelter. After marrying Jouett Everhart in 1974, David attended NMSU and worked summers on the Hatchet Ranch south of Hachita, NM. Upon graduation with a degree in Agricultural Economics, he worked fulltime on the Hatchet Ranch with his brother-in-law, Bill Everhart. When the ranch sold in 1991, David and his family returned to Deming where he began his career in education. At Deming High School, he taught welding and later taught math and history at Deming's alternative school as well as being the tennis coach. Many of David's students attribute their success to David's mentoring and care. David enjoyed the outdoors as a hunter and fisherman. He loved to travel, was an avid reader, and treasured many activities with his beloved grandchildren.
David is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jouett. He is also survived by his son, Joshua (Tessa) and three grandchildren (Everly, Tucker, and Brock) of Las Cruces, NM, and his daughter, Barbara (Andy) of San Antonio, TX. He is survived by his brother, Alan (Jan) of Whittman, AZ and his stepmother, Joyce, of Deming, NM. David will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of David's life will be held at Baca's Funeral Chapel, Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2p.m. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory. To further honor David, the family asks that donations be given to the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum (301 S. Silver Avenue, Deming, NM, 88030) or to your favorite charity.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Lawrence Smith, please visit our floral store.
