We the family of MANUEL "SMILEY" MEDINA VARGAS JR. announce his passing on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. "Smiley" as he was fondly known to everyone, was born July 16, 1950, in Las Cruces to Marianna Medina and Manuel Vargas. Smiley retired from the Las Cruces Fire Department and was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Smiley was a kind and generous man, and his big smile will never be forgotten.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his children, 2 sons, Eddie Leon (Teresa Garcia) of Las Cruces and Omar Leon of Houston, TX; a daughter, Brenda Leon of Los Lunas, NM; 2 brothers, Richard Vargas of Las Cruces and Raul Vargas of Albuquerque; 3 sisters, Flora Torres, and Yolanda Vargas both from Las Cruces and Julie Gonzalez of Tucson, AZ. Other survivors include his 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Smiley was preceded in death by his loving parents; sister, Lupe Dela Rosa; 2 brothers, Pete, and Felipe Vargas; 2 brothers-in-law, Roland Torres, and Michael Gonzalez.

At his request cremation has taken place and the Entombment will be at 10 AM Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Hillcrest Memorial Garden Mausoleum. Military Honors will be accorded by the Holloman Air Force Base Steel Talons Honor Guard, The Marine Corps League El Perro-Diablo Detachment and The Las Cruces Fire Department Honor Guard.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com