John Richard Eberly

John Richard Eberly,79 passed away unexpectedly on December 15, 2018 at Parkview Medical Center. Cremation has taken place at his request. John was born on May 13, 1939 in La Junta, Colorado to Alice and Glen Eberly. John lived all of his life in La Junta, attending public schools and graduating from La Junta High School with the class of
1957.

Upon graduation, John joined the Colorado National Guard 157th Field Artillery Battalion, Ranking as Sergeant E-6 until 1967. John had worked his whole life. He had his own service station and fruit stand from 1957-1960. He also worked for the Colorado Highway Dept. as a heavy machine operator. On September 21, 1962, John married the
love of his life, Doris K. Miller in La Junta. They have 2 children, Sheri and Jerry.

In that same year John joined the La Junta Police Department and worked as a Patrolman for 8 years. He then went to work for the Otero County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy for one year and decided to run for the Office of Sheriff. In 1970 he was elected the Sheriff of Otero County by the residents of this valley, an honor he held for 32 consecutive years. He was re-elected every 4 years, he served 8 terms! He was so proud of this accomplishment and humbled by trust bestowed in him by the people of this county. John is the longest tenured Sheriff in the State of Colorado retiring in 2003. In 2014, John was commissioned by Sheriff Mobley to be on the posse and appointed to the
position of lieutenant. He remained there until his passing. He was also a member of the Colorado Sheriff's Association and held the office of President in 1987 for one year. John had over 40 years of law enforcement, a career that he thoroughly enjoyed. He was
affectionately known as "THE SHERIFF".

Together with Doris, John owns and operates the Valley Trading Post Mini Storages. He was a jack of all trades. He could fix anything and usually did. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed playing golf and was a huge Bronco fan. John enjoyed teaching leather craft and was exceptional at it. He had an artistic flair. John was also an
expert marksman, he enjoyed teaching people about and shooting firearms. There was not a target that he could not master. John loved his family very much and enjoyed spending time and traveling with them.

John is survived by his wife Doris; daughter, Sheri (Rick) Blackford of Swink, Colorado and son, Jerry (Laura) Eberly of Edmond, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Cole Smith of Las Animas, CO, Jonathan and Logan Eberly of Edmond, Matt and Crystal Blackford, Mollie Blackford of Pueblo; great-grandchildren, Jeremy Eberly of Edmond, Madison,
Ryker and Sadie Blackford and Cayden Mueller of Pueblo. His sister, Barbara (Ben) Franks of Brighten, CO along with niece, Jonna (Chip) King of South Dakota. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews along with his brothers and sisters-in-laws.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Glenna and Nadine and many aunts and uncles and a niece.

A memorial service will be Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Ed Kite of the First Church of God officiating.

Memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to the Otero County Sheriff's Posse at 222 E. 2nd Street, La Junta, Colorado 81050.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.