Bart Skelton

Bart Skelton, 62, a long-time resident of Deming, passed away Tuesday, 25, 2023, at his home.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at the Adobe Deli on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at three o’clock in the afternoon with Pastor Cesar Chavez officiating. As per his wishes, cremation took place at Baca’s Mimbres Crematory, his ashes are to be scattered over his beloved Gila National Forest.

Bart was born in Hereford, Texas on June 6, 1960, to Charles A. “Skeeter” and Sally Jim (Small) Skelton. He graduated from Deming High School and attended Sol Ross University in Alpine, Texas. Bart came from a long line of cattlemen and law enforcement officers and continued with both his entire life. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing with his many friends and steer roping, competing in law enforcement rodeos.

In Bart’s childhood, he spent time participating in Junior Rodeos around Texas, helping “Skeeter” with his cattle business, and learning about the law enforcement profession. He was introduced to many of the greatest law men and shooters in the land. All this led to a future of the western life and his extremely successful career as a law man.

Bart spent over thirty years in law enforcement including New Mexico State Police in Carrizozo and Silver City, New Mexico. In 1989, following his father’s footsteps, he entered the US Customs Service in Deming. He served in Deming, NM, Del Rio, Alpine, and El Paso, Texas returning to Deming as Agent in Charge. During these years, both state and federal, Bart received many awards and recognitions for his persistence, hard work, and due diligence. Bart retired in 2014 from the Department of Homeland Security and Homeland Security Investigations as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of New Mexico.

Bart was a proud member of the National Rifle Association and spent several years on the NRA Board of Directors. Bart was assigned several committees including the Law Enforcement Support Committee. He finally took a well-deserved retirement to enjoy the desert life and wildlife he loved so much. He continued hunting and traveling worldwide with his many friends and admirers.

Bart leaves behind his son, Jacob Skelton of Clovis, NM; his daughter, Evan Ann Skelton of Fort Worth, TX, and sister, Melody Massey of Happy, TX. Bart was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Skeeter” and Sally Skelton and a brother, Mathew Skelton.

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