Onesimo Domingo Maes

Onesimo Domingo Maes (O.D.) 74 of Las Cruces, NM died at home following a lengthy illness on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. O.D. was born December 9, 1934 to Emilia Dominga Maes at home in Lincoln County, New Mexico in a home with dirt floors and no running water. His elementary education was at Ague Azule for grades 1-8. After that time he moved into the home of his uncle, Eddie Maes, so that he could further his education going through classes 9-12 in Ruidoso, where he developed a passion for playing football. After graduation, he worked for an independent telephone company for two years. At approximately that time he joined the Navy serving aboard several Navy ships, the Bremerton, being the main one. He was stationed all around the Pacific Coast at various times. His duties included being the Quartermaster for the Admiral and steering the ships in and out of the ports and while at sea, as well as refueling and replenishing. He saw much of the world while he was in the Navy, and had joined the Navy to get the educational benefits to become a teacher. After his stint in the military, he worked through three degrees plus 45 hours of Post- Graduate work. He taught advanced electronics in Central High School in California for two years then returned to New Mexico to Albuquerque Public Schools, teaching Industrial Trades and Industrial Arts. At this time he was also coaching football, wrestling, and track, winning meets in these sports, He coached Sandia in back to back championships in 1976-1977, also coaching football against Mayfield in 1976. He did this for 14 years before starting his own automotive business as a fleet contractor for Mountain Bell. He has now and had his own Organic Fertilizer Business for the last 17 years, spanning New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Mexico. He was voted National Minority Business Man of the Nation in 1984 and received many awards and commendations in that capacity. He received Christ as his Savior in 1963 and has continued to serve Him diligently since that time. O.D. believed strongly in tithing and missions. He is a member of First Baptist Church, Las Cruces, and serves as a local Gideon. O.D. became very active in the local Gideon camp, as spreading God's word to the lost and dying. This was very important to him. O.D. married Jann Luce in 1991 and they have been very happy together. She survives him at this time. O.D. is also survived by three children; Mia, Elena, and Mark, as well as three stepchildren Richard, Robin, and Rena. There are 11 grandchildren; Christian Maes, Cheyene Brooks, Merritt Blankenau, Cody and Curtis Luce, Melanie and Lindsey Larranaga, and Keon and Chiara Martinez, Neda and Kasra Mirmesdagh. O.D. also has three sisters, one brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. At O.D.'s request cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be at 10 am on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Las Cruces. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Maurice Hollingsworth and Bro. Larry Henson. Full military honors will follow accorded by the El Perro Diablos