Melvin Boyd Smith

Melvin Boyd Smith 

1938-2023 

Melvin Boyd Smith, 85, of Los Chavez, passed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.  

Melvin was born on July 12, 1938, in Dalhart, Texas, to Boyd and Oleta Smith. Melvin moved to Belen when he was 7 years old. He graduated from Belen High School in 1956 and joined the U.S. Army between the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.  

After the service, he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, which later became the Burlington Northern Santa Fe for more than 40 years as a car inspector. Melvin married Margarete Snell on March 12, 1964, and were married for 59 years.  

Melvin was an enthusiast of horses, having owned many during his life time. He was riding in team roping events well into his 80s with his son, Billy, and other ropers. He was disappointed when he was told he shouldn’t be riding or driving his tractor anymore. 

Melvin is predeceased by his parents, Boyd and Oleta Smith; sister, Joyce Bailey (Leon), of Rio Rancho; brothers, Floyd Smith, of Los Angeles, Calif., and John Smith of Waco, Texas; nephew, Lyle Bailey; niece, Lori Smith; and brother-in-law, Billy Snell, of Thousand Palms, Calif.  

Melvin is survived by his wife, Margarete Smith, of Los Chavez; son, William (Billy) Smith, of Los Chavez; daughter, Shawna Smith (Mike), of Whitesboro, Texas; son, Ronnie Smith (Carlie), of Clarkston, Mich.; granddaughters, Sylvia and Ryleigh; one nephew, Clifford Bailey (Michelle), of Rio Rancho; sister-in-law, Loretta Smith; and niece, Jolene Smith Bowman, of Los Angeles, Calif.  

He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Tommy Snell (Sharon), of Carlsbad, N.M., Gary Snell (Rue), of Nampa, Ind., Jimmie (Gay), of Los Lunas, and Gilbert “Buddy” Snell, of Belen, sister-in-law, Roxy Snell, of Richmond Hill, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews. 

Services for Melvin will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Los Chavez. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m., and memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Melvin will then be placed at Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen immediately following the memorial service. Guests are then invited to Margarete’s house for a reception following the services.  

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.