Elmer Olen Defoor

Elmer Olen Defoor, 88 a former Fort Sumner resident died Sunday, September 16, 2001 in Overgaard, Arizona following an illness. Elmer was born April 28, 1913 in Burneyville, Oklahoma to the home of John Robert Defoor and the former Daisy Loving. He was reared in Love County, Oklahoma where he worked as a cattle ranch hand for many years. Elmer married Daisy Estella Dodd on June 30, 1935 in Clovis, NM. Elmer also worked at feed yards in Texas until his retirement in 1976. Elmer and Daisy made their home on and off in Fort Sumner since 1940. Following his retirement Elmer and Daisy served as foster parents to over 23 children at Portales Baptist Children’s Home. They also worked as relief parents for many years. Elmer was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Cecil Elmer Defoor in 1997; three brothers including Graydon Defoor and two infant brothers. Elmer was a loving husband, father, brother and friend, his survivors include his wife of 66 years Daisy Defoor of Overgaard, Arizona, a son Kenneth Lee Defoor and wife Helen of Overgaard, AZ; a daughter Juanita Erlene Robin and husband Troy of Overgaard, AZ; a daughter-in-law Mary Helen Defoor of Texico, NM, two brothers John Defoor of Tucumcari, NM; Clyde Defoor of Clovis, NM; three sisters Veda Spitz of Clovis; Syble Hendrix of Eufaula, Oklahoma; and Lavon Haga of Clovis; and a sister-in-law Ada Mae Defoor of Clovis along with a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday in Overgaard, Arizona. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 20, 2001 from the Fort Sumner Cemetery with his nephew Ferril Defoor officiating. Burial will be in the Defoor family plot. Pallbearers will be his nephews and a grandson. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10AM to 6PM at the Chavez Funeral Home. Local arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner.