Elton Derward Poor

"There is an empty space for us today which once held the kind and generous spirit of Mr. Elton D. Poor, who took up an eternal weight in glory on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. A Texas-native, Elton was born on February 1st, 1929 to John and Callie (Dunn) Poor. He grew up in Abilene with his brothers and sister, where he attended grade school and graduated from Abilene High School with an affinity for the game of golf, as well as a keen entrepreneurial mind. After high school, he served his country as a part of the armed forces in the National Guard, and later became a Golden Gloves Boxer. On February 28th, 1953, he married Joyce White, his bride for over 63 years and the love of his life. Together, they raised four beautiful daughters and established a thriving business in Sandia Oil, which took them to New Mexico. Elton cherished his days filled with his family; his time at Mountain Vista Baptist Church; the rolling greens of the Country Club Golf Course; and the cool breeze in the evenings that came off the pond, across the porch of their home. But more than anything, he loved Jesus - and his deep affection for Christ was displayed in his kindness and generosity to many.

Elton is preceded in death by his mother, Callie; his father, John; his brothers, Gene and Vernon. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his children, Diane Harrison (Troy), Darlene Ray (Howard), Kim Dinallo (Tony), and Kerri Schumacher (Mark); his grandchildren, Trevor, Brandon, Adam, Justin, Jerrod, Cameron, and Dominique; and seven great-grandchildren as well. Services will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 10am on Monday, September 19th, with Reverend John Preston officiating followed by interment at Memory Gardens, 6917 East Main St. in Farmington at noon. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donations can be made to Mountain Vista Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street in Farmington, 325-8688.