Fred Vejil Jr.

Fred Vejil Jr., passed away peacefully at home in Las Cruces, New Mexico on September 10, 2023. He was born in Balmorhea, Texas on Jan. 17, 1946, and was raised in the small town of Ft. Davis, Texas. He graduated high school in 1965, where he was active in sports such as football, basketball, and track. As an avid athlete, he thrived and was part of the 1965 state basketball team. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army, where he served his country for three years. He was stationed in Germany and had the distinct opportunity to travel all through Europe. After his service in the Army, he worked at the state park while also attending Sul Ross University. He soon graduated thereafter in 1974 with a degree in Biology and Physical Education. While in college, he developed his passion for golf, and he continued to play for the remainder of his days. He was known throughout the golf community as "Lefty" for his striking left-hand swing of the golf club, one of which won him many golf tournaments throughout the west Texas area. His greatest golfing accomplishment that will forever go down in history is when he made a hole in one at the Anthony invitational and won a Ford Mustang; his happiness could not be contained. As a respected educator in our community, he taught numerous students, many who are now grown adults with children and grandchildren of their own. He proudly went on to teach for over 20 years in Fabens, Texas, from where he eventually retired. Fred was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, adventurous, and silly. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life experiences - military serviceman, park ranger, dedicated educator, and avid golfer. No one could match Fred's whimsical nature and light-hearted spirit. It's what made him such an easy-going person to be around. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them- and if you knew him, you knew it. He will be missed dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents Fred Vejil Sr. and Manuela Dominguez; sister Lisa Vejil; and loving wife Norma Estrada Vejil. His memory lives on with his daughter, Bridgette Vejil; son, Fred Vejil III; granddaughter, Arianna Vejil; grandson, Brenton Ryan Cruz; brother, Albert Vejil, Abelardo Navarette (Gloria); sister, Anita Canales (Rudy); numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He will forever live in their hearts. Until we meet again, "Lefty". "When my old man grinned, nobody could help but grin too." -- Ernest Hemingway, "My Old Man" A "Celebration of Life & Memorial Service" will be held at Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces NM 88001 on Friday, September 22, 2023, beginning at 9:30 am.