Ellery Collier

Ellry Glenn Collier, 89, passed away July 1, 2020, after a brief illness. He is survived by the love of his life of 33 years, Delia Solis Cortez Collier; two daughters, Teresa Crosby (Carl) of Granbury, Texas, and Melissa Danner (George) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; granddaughter Meredith Danner of Denver, Colorado; and brother C. Allen Collier (Peggy) of Garland, Texas.

He is also survived by stepdaughter Corina S. Cortez of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, grandchildren Darian Mullen, Lexi Murray, Nicolas E. Ali, and Savanah J. Ali, and great-granddaughter Aurora Vega-Mullen; stepson Arthur S. Cortez (Annie) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and grandchildren Ducit and Vanida; stepson Alfred S. Cortez (Kathy) of Albuquerque; and grandchildren AJ Cortez and Cheyenne Cortez.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Monday, July 13 at Terpening & Sons Mortuary. Rosary and Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, followed by burial at Twin Oaks Cemetery.

Born in Coleman, Texas, Glenn was a graduate of the University of Houston and received a Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His early career included service in numerous churches in Texas and Louisiana, and later in the insurance and financial services field.

Glenn and Delia married on November 27, 1987, and later opened Formal Elegance, a retail bridal store on Main Street, which they owned and operated together for 17 years. During that time, Glenn also ran for and was elected Eddy County Commissioner for District 2 and served three terms.

Glenn was deeply devoted to the citizens of Artesia and was instrumental in starting many projects over the years. Dearest to him was serving on the Artesia General Hospital Board and New Mexico Association of Counties, as well as helping establish Grammy's House, a domestic violence shelter. Glenn's service to Eddy County also included facilitating a DWI program for court-ordered offenders in Carlsbad and Artesia alongside his beloved Delia. Glenn had a big heart and was always thinking of what else he could do for Artesia. His work will continue to serve her citizens for many years to come.

Glenn was a loving father, a wonderful cook, and often the life of a party. He was a Texan who was proud to tell people about Artesia and Eddy County, even if it didn’t involve politics. We are still trying to absorb the shock of his departure, but know he will continue to watch over us and that we will see him again one day.