John Elmo Uxer

JOHN ELMO UXER John Elmo Uxer passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Vona Stroud Uxer. He is survived by their two married children, John and AlmaLois Uxer and Anne and James Stewart, all of El Paso, along with six grandchildren and eight grandchildren. John was born on March 31, 1924 in Garrison, New Mexico to John and Myrtle (Albright) Uxer. Immediately following high school graduation, John enlisted in the US Navy and served during WWII as a radioman in the Pacific Theater. He was involved in several major sea battles and island invasions receiving the Purple Heart. During a two week shore leave, he rushed home to Portales, New Mexico to marry the love of his life before returning to his ship. After WWII he attended NMSU where he earned his Bachelor of Science in agriculture. He was recalled to active duty for the Korean Conflict and served as an Infantry Officer in the US Army. He was again awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star for bravery in action. He retired as a colonel in the US Army Reserves. After the Korean Conflict, John served as a teacher, coach, counselor, principal and superintendent in New Mexico schools. He then served as the Director of the Legislative Finance Committee and Legislative Budget Office for the State of New Mexico. He earned a Master of Arts, Education Specialist and Doctorate in Education Administration degrees from NMSU. In the Spring of 1968 he moved his family from Santa Fe to El Paso to assume the position of Executive Director of Region XIX Education Service Center. He served in that capacity for over 25 years. Among the many honors and distinctions received, the Head Start Center was named for him in recognition of his passion and devotion for the education of El Paso's children. John was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of El Paso where he served as a Deacon, Deacon Chairman and Church Parliamentarian. As a registered parliamentarian, he also served as the Parliamentarian for the Baptist General Convention of Texas and for several regional and national organizations. He was a long-standing member of the Downtown Rotary Club and served a term as that organization's president. After his retirement from Region XIX, he was elected and served several terms on the El Paso Community College Board. While he was passionate about serving his nation and the educational needs of El Paso, his greatest passions were serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Graveside Service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 9:30AM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, with Military Honors. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00AM on Monday, December 30, 2019 at the First Baptist Church, 805 Montana.