James Greer

Pat Greer died peacefully, surrounded by family, October 16, 2021 at his home near Marvel, on the original Greer Homestead.

James Patrick “Pat” Greer was born November 9, 1933, to Frank and Hattie Greer at the Greer Homestead near Marvel Colorado. He was the 7th of eight children: Allie Gladden, John Greer, Frances Greer, Betty McLaughlin DeVore, Annabelle Isaacs, Paul Greer, Pat Greer and Dick Greer.

Life was not always easy, but the family had a great life. They were self-sufficient, which is what many of us strive for today. Pat went to school in Redmesa, Marvel and then Durango High School, where he met the love of his life, Lila Eldridge. They went to church February 1, 1953 and were married immediately after the church service. Talk about a Stress Free Wedding! This simple wedding lasted 68 years and produced four children. Harry, Jim, Frances and Karen.

Pat had various jobs, but ultimately ended up with the Colorado Highway Department, where he worked on the survey crew and later as a Project Engineer, retiring after 32 years. Pat provided for his family and Lila held them together, since he worked away from home during road building season. One saying the kids NEVER heard was “just wait until your dad gets home!” Lila said by the time Pat got home, the kids would forget what they were in trouble for, for Lila took care of it.

Pat and Lila succeeded in instilling a valuable work ethic in all of their children. While Pat was away at work, they held numerous “hoe downs” (in the potato patch), Barn Dances (avoiding the fresh cow pies in the milk barn) and Rock Parties (picking up rocks) in the pasture on the river. This is where the work ethic came in … picking your own switch was the incentive for the work ethic!

Pat was a real family man. It seemed liked there was always an extra plate the table. If you showed up at mealtime, Pat would ask “You too good to each with Poor Folks like us?” Pat and Lila hosted many family dinners, reunions, ice cream socials or just get togethers. No get-together was complete without music. There was actually quite a bit of music in the family, and we could compete with many bands today. Pat loved singing, having a song for about everyone. He seemed to find a song with their name in it to sing. Count your blessings if you were the recipient of his songs!

The only thing “almost” as important as family was Community. If you were going to live in a community, you needed to be part of it. Pat truly was Community Minded. He was a life-long member of Marvel Methodist Church, and long-time member of Marvel Grange and after being a 4-H member for 10 years, he served over 35 years as a leader and continued by being an active supporter of 4-H. Pat served on various board and committees, including: Animas La Plata Board, La Plata Water Conservancy District, La Plata County Planning Commission and La Plata County Fair Board. Have you ever been to a “Ground Hog Supper”, if so, you have seen Pat working in various details associated with the dinner over the last 50+ years.

Pat was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Lila Greer, and his four children: Harry (Cindy) Greer, Jim Greer, Frances (Dale) Horvath and Karen Ray.
Services will be held at the Marvel Methodist Church Saturday, October 23 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Marvel Cemetery followed by a potluck at the Marvel Grange. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to Marvel Methodist Church, PO Box 122, Marvel, CO 81329. Pat lived his faith and will be greatly missed but never forgotten!