Aug. 19 Obituaries

Jesus Diaz Jr., 23

Mr. Jesus “Panchito” Diaz Jr., 23, of Portales, died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004, at his home.

He was born on Sept. 23, 1980, in Clovis, to Raquel Pillado and Jesus Diaz.

He grew up in Portales. He was a rap artist and recorded with Ride ‘N Smoke Records. In the past he had worked at Excel Meat Packers in Bovina, but recently had been working as a milker for local dairies. Family members said he enjoyed being with his friends and playing with his nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Catholic church.

Survivors include his companion, Rosa Ortega of Portales; four daughters, Bianca, Kaitlyn, Ysiel and Ysenia Diaz, all of Bovina; his mother of Portales; his father of Muleshoe; a brother, Daniel Diaz of Muleshoe; four sisters, Sally Puebla of Portales, Jessica Pillado of Odessa, Texas and Rocio Diaz and Carrina Diaz, both of Muleshoe.

A rosary is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Helen Catholic Church in Portales.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at St. Helen Catholic Church in Portales. Father Tobin Hitt will officiate the services.

Burial wil be at Portales Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Henry Salas, Albert, Mario, Melton Jr., Leo and Melton Diaz, Sr.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.