Joseph Elfigo Nickerson

Joseph Elfigo Nickerson, 91, was born into eternal life on The Lord's Day, Sunday, November 22, 2009. He was born September 18, 1918 to John Frank Nickerson and Filomena Saiz-Nickerson, the second eldest of seven children in Bloomfield on the family farm which is now part of Saiz Lane. On March 8, 1938 he and Raquel Juanita Trujillo of Angustura were married. They lived in a home he built in Bloomfield for 50 years until her death in 1987. He was a member of St. Mary's Parish attending Mass until his death. Joe was a carpenter and brick layer by trade and was employed by El Paso Natural Gas Company from February 14, 1956 to July 1, 1983, retiring as foreman in the Camp and Plant Maintenance Division. Prior to that he was a semi-truck driver in Arizona, worked out of the local Carpenters Union and built most of the fireplaces in Sunset Heights for Schuzen Construction. During World War II, Joe served with the US Navy from August 26, 1943 until November 20, 1945 aboard the USS Tripoli destroyer battleship near the Philippines and the USS Ranger aircraft carrier near Japan intercepting kamakazi suicide bombers. He was one of three brothers fighting for his country during World War II along with brothers Chris in the US Army and Dave in the US Navy. He was indeed one of the bravest and most patriotic members of our Greatest Generation. Elfigo served as one of the original City of Bloomfield councilmen from 1953 to 1960. He also served as Fire Chief in 1956 and 1957. Joe and his wife were well known for their numerous rental properties he built including national franchise and corporate tenant occupied buildings in existence today. Earlier, he was centerfielder of the Bloomfield men's baseball team and a longtime member of Buckles and Bows square dancers. After Rachel's death he was the heroic example of fatherhood devoting his time and energy lovingly caregiving his Downs Syndrome son, Randy. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, his brother Abe preceded him in death. His survivors include his daughter Judi, sons, Milton "Nick" (wife Jane), Rick (wife Lisa) and Randy Nickerson. His grandchildren are Julie, Joseph and Garrett Nickerson and Messica Dalton. Great grandchildren are Joshua and Amelia Barela, Joseph Conner and Matthew Nickerson and Michael, Kessy and Brighton Dalton. Also surviving are his sister Ida Cates and brother Orlie of St. George, Utah, brothers Dave and Frank Nickerson of Layton, Utah and brother Chris of St. Mary's, Kansas. Pallbearers will be Rick, Joseph, Bill and Abe Nickerson and Pete and Gene Valencia. With God's grace he courageously embraced his final journey to our Lord with acceptance, humility and love. May the angels and saints lead you into paradise. Be merciful O God. May your glory shine upon him then raise him up on the last day. Joe is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute Street Farmington, NM (505) 325-8688