George Greer Obituary

Lifelong Southwest Colorado resident George W. Greer died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, at his home in Mancos. He was 82.

Mr. Greer was born to George W. and Cathleen Greer on May 11, 1929, in Marvel. He spent his younger years in Marvel and La Plata Canyon, and later on the family ranch "down on Salt Creek." He was one of 17 children.

In 1953, after serving three years, two months, 10 days and 14 hours in the Navy, he married Nellie Miller in Durango.

For 30 years, they lived on East Fifth Avenue in Durango, where they raised four children, as well as numerous other "adopted" children. The Greers moved to Mancos 18 years ago.

"He loved living in the mountains, and he loved to travel, but more than anything, he loved coming home and spending time with family and friends and sharing a 'sippin' drink," his family said. "George cherished music and singing old country songs, and often made up his own lyrics. George had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh."

Mr. Greer's lifelong occupation was driving trucks, and he most enjoyed driving in the mountains of Colorado, particularly when hauling livestock. Though he was dedicated to his work, his family said he never missed a chance to stop and enjoy a sunset.

"George was a truly happy man, with a gentle soul, who saw the good in everyone," his family said. "He was a kind, loving friend to so many. He was the type of man that would give a stranger the shirt off his back in a snowstorm."

Mr. Greer is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nellie Greer, of Mancos; sons, Duane Greer of Bayfield and Ed Greer of Tucson, Ariz.; daughters, Val Hobson of Mancos and Connie Tench of Garner, N.C.; brothers Earl Rea and Donald Rea, both of Ignacio, Rex Rea of Denver and Chester Warner of Perry, Utah; sisters Shirley Sutherland of Arboles, Georgia Dittmar and Linda Searcy, both of Durango, Peggy Leyshon of Ignacio, Mary Goeglein of Farmington and Sandi Walker of Nucla; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, at Hood Mortuary Chapel, 1261 East Third Ave. A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Whalen Gymnasium at Fort Lewis College. Burial will occur at Ignacio East Cemetery. A dinner will be held afterward at the family home at 3421 U.S. Highway 160 in Mancos.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado St., Suite 270, Durango, CO 81301, or to the charity of one' choice.

Online condolences may be sent at www.hoodmortuary.com.