Jerry Elliott went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, in his home in Rio Rancho, N.M., with loved ones at his bedside. He had fought an eight-year battle with cancer.

Jerry was born March 10, 1939 in El Paso, Texas, the son of Walter and Evelyn Elliott. The family moved to Carlsbad when Jerry was 2 years old. He graduated from Carlsbad High School. After two years in college in Las Cruces, he returned to Carlsbad where he went to work for Santa Fe Railroad, where he rode trains for 34 years, both in Carlsbad and later in Clovis on the main line. Jerry also served his country with 22 years in the Army Special Forces Guard Unit.

Elliott was a member of the Rio West Community Church, the Rio Rancho Art Association and belonged to a cancer survivors group. Jerry leaves behind his loving wife of 34 years, Laverne Elliott; stepchildren, Paul Hale and his wife Bobbie, Twila Medina and husband Louie, Randy Hale and wife Martha. He was known as Papaw to five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He’s also survived by one brother, Roy Elliott, in Kansas.

Services were at West Funeral Home in Carlsbad, on Sept. 10, where his children officiated the services.

Burial was in Carlsbad Cemetery. After the services, a meal and gathering of family and friends was held at the New Sun Church.