Ulysses Mcelyea Jr.

Ulysses McElyea, Jr. was born on October 29, 1941 in Ft. Collins, Colorado to Ulysses McElyea, Sr. and Hazel Hall McElyea. Ulysses, affectionately known as "Jr." or "Doc" graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1959. While at LCHS he excelled in sciences and music. He was named first chair All-State saxophone under the direction of Greg Randall. Upon high school graduation, Ulysses attended the University of New Mexico and graduated with a degree in Pharmacy. After working as a pharmacist, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps; in 1967 he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University. He then earned a Master's Degree in Animal Eye Diseases. Upon graduation, Ulysses enlisted in the United States Army and was commissioned as a Captain while working in the animal research laboratories in Ft. Detrick, Maryland. After completing his military obligation, he returned to Las Cruces and became a partner with his father at Alta Vista Animal Clinic. He continued working in private practice as a veterinarian, and as an adjunct professor of veterinary medicine at New Mexico State University. He was an avid Aggie fan and served as the President of the Aggie Sports Association and seldom missed an Aggie football or Basketball game. In addition to his love of sports, Ulysses was a talented musician. He devoted several years to playing in the Big Band on the Rio Grande and in the Mesilla Valley Community Band. During a band trip to Lerdo, Mexico, Ulysses met the love of his life, Natalia Bertha Zarzosa. They were married in Las Cruces on April 29, 2000. His new family included two young children, Ulysses McElyea III and Natalia McElyea. Much of their vacation time was spent in Torreon, Mexico and at their time share in Mazatlan. He also loved traveling to Madrid, Spain. In 2009 he was named the #1 veterinarian in the state of New Mexico. Ulysses was active in the Las Cruces Noon Lion's Club. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of the Rio Grande and at the time of his death he was serving as the Chairman of the Board. He is survived by his wife, Natalia; his son, Ulysses McElyea III; his daughter Natalia McElyea and grandson Donald. Mother in law Maria del Socorro Garza de Zarzasa; Sergio Zarzosa and wife Lourdes; Socorro Guadalupe de Mata and husband Arturo Mata; Jose de Jesus Zarzosa and wife Guadalupe; Jorge Andres Zarzosa; Sandra Monica Zarzosa de Valencia and husband Jorge; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Eula Fern Thompson and her husband Dave, a niece Shannon Bradley and her husband Michael, and their children David and Michaela; and a nephew Michael Thompson and wife Krista, and their children Nicolas and Syndey. He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Ulysses McElyea and Hazel McElyea. Visitation will be at Getz Funeral Home on Thursday, December 15, 2011 5:00