Jack O. Elwood

Rio Rancho, NM. In loving memory of Jack O Elwood, who at the age of 100 passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2020. He was born October 27, 1919 in Los Angeles, CA to Blanche DeKuklaire and John Marshall Elwood as the oldest of 5 children which included 4 younger sisters. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Bettyann Elwood, his youngest son Daniel Elwood, and all 4 of his younger sisters.

Jack’s love for the railroad, which would become his lifelong passion and avocation started when he was a young boy growing up along the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks in Alhambra, CA. He spent his entire railroad career with the AT&SF Railway in engine service as a fireman and engineer on steam and later diesel locomotives, and then in management as a road foreman of engines, for a total of 43 years. Both of his sons inherited his love of trains and also were locomotive engineers. All totaled between the 3 of them, they amassed 125 years in the cab of a locomotive, which was a source of great pride to Jack. Jack enjoyed sharing stories of his career with the railroad and published many of those stories in train magazines.

He was very devoted to the Catholic church and was the first one in the church each weekday at his local parish to set everything up, unlock the doors and prepare for the Mass. He also spent many hundreds of hours volunteering at Poverello House in Fresno, CA to feed the homeless, even well into his 90’s.

He has many friends and neighbors in Fresno, where he spent the last 48 years of his life, who along with his family will miss this good and caring man.

He is survived by his son Dave Elwood of Rio Rancho, NM, 3 grandchildren including Katie Elwood of Fresno and Weed, CA, and 4 great-grandchildren.

No Service Information at this time.

Daniels Family Funeral Services ~ Southern Chapel
2400 Southern Blvd SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-891-9192