ULYSSES JR. Was born on October 27, 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. 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 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. In 2009 he was named the #1 veterinarian in the state of New Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Natalia; his son, Ulysses McElyea III; his daughter, Natalia McElyea; and grandson Donald. 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 - 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church Friday, December 16, 2011 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Aggie Athletic Fund or the Las Cruces Noon Lion's Club in the name of Ulysses McElyea, Jr.
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