Melvin "Pee Wee" Eugene Switzer, 82 passed away. Pee Wee was Brand Inspector for Eddy County.

Melvin "Pee Wee" Eugene Switzer, 82, of Tower Dr., Carlsbad, NM, passed away on February 26, 2016 at his home. Graveside services will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Carlsbad Cemetery (new section). Rev. Jimmy Tarvin of the Loving Baptist Church will officiate. There is no public visitation. Services have been entrusted to West Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at westfuneralhomellc.com Melvin Eugene "PeeWee" Switzer was born to Elmer Ned and Verna Lea (Trotter) Switzer on December 12, 1933 in Ingram, TX. He was raised in Ingram and moved to Carlsbad as a young man to work with family in Queens, NM. Pee Wee and Gayla Hepler Switzer were married August 31, 1952 in Carlsbad and she preceded him in death in 1997. As a young family, PeeWee and Gayla lived in the Ingram area for a very brief period, and then moved to Carlsbad. He worked at IMC Potash Mines when his children were young, then the family moved to the Elmer Hepler Ranch in Dog Canyon. They continued to live in the Dog Canyon and Crow Flat area until around 1977. PeeWee and Gayla then moved to Hayward, California, where PeeWee hauled race horses to the various fairs and race tracks throughout California. Moving back to New Mexico in 1980, PeeWee became a New Mexico Livestock Inspector and later retired from that profession. Martha Jane "Martie" Weldy and PeeWee Switzer were married June 15, 2000. He was a lifetime member of the Eddy County Sherriff's Posse and Carlsbad B.P.O.Elk's Lodge #1558. PeeWee liked spending time with his grandkids, fishing and going to the park, spending time in his garden, playing dominoes, telling tales of his younger days and playing jokes on everyone. But most of all PeeWee loved spending time with his wife, Martie. He is preceded in death by his wife Gayla Hepler Switzer, his parents, 2 brothers and one sister. PeeWee is survived by his wife Martie Switzer of Carlsbad, children: Jane Switzer Terrell and husband J.B. of Ruidoso, NM, Zana Switzer Moore and husband David of Alpine, TX, John Switzer and wife Diana of Carlsbad, NM, Joe Switzer and wife Estella of Hondo, NM, Joe Thompson and wife Tina, Doug Thompson and wife Sherri and Tausha Wright, all of Carlsbad; brother-in-law, Ken Schilling of Kerrville, TX; mother and father-in-law, Jane and Doug Weldy; brother and sister-in-laws (Martie's side) Edward Weldy, Dale and Tiguna Weldy, David Weldy, Steve and Lana Weldy, all of Hobbs, NM; Tammy and Mark Luna of Midland, TX; 22 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pallbearers: Elmer (Joe) Switzer, John Switzer, Joe Thompson, Doug Thompson, Shawn Walker and Tim Trotter. Honorary Pallbearers: Bryen and Steve Anthony Villegas, Matthew and Stetson Thompson, Bill Havens, Jay Trotter and Justin Green. Special Honorary Pallbearers: Eddy County Sheriff's Posse Members. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/currentargus/obituary.aspx?n=melvin-eugene-switzer-pee-wee&pid=178021062&fhid=7499#sthash.klSi6GqH.dpuf