This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Elder, Mendez Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4464/mb.ashx Message Board Post: It is with great sadness that I say a temporary goodbye to my brother Chris. Chris passed on to his eternal reward in Austin, Texas on June 15, 2010. Chris was born into our happy family on March 20, 1959 in Durango, Colorado on the first day of spring as Christopher Lee Elder. In 1996 Chris was reborn into God's Heavenly Family by accepting and being baptized into Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In this life, Chris excelled in school and had the rare opportunity of being taught by our Mother Billye J. Elder at Mesilla Park Elementary School. It was this experience that gave Chris the confidence to meet his life challenges first by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Business Systems Analysis and Business Management from New Mexico State University, and throughout his life as a leader and visionary in his business career. After College Chris was carried by his determination and skills to many destinations including El Paso, Texas where he was chosen and developed award winning computer programs, some of which were custom designed for the State of Texas. Next, his career path took him to Austin, Texas. And, just like a blooming flower in the spring, it was Austin where Chris most enjoyed his life. The beauty of Austin with its many trees, clear flowing rivers and streams, and gorgeous Bluebonnets inspired Chris to reach new heights in his personal and business life. Chris enjoyed writing poetry, rescuing and taking care of little animals, anything computer, learning new things, gardening at home, biking on the many urban trails in Austin, and just hanging out with friends and family. All who had the pleasure of knowing Chris thought of him as a loving person who was always there for them. His smile and devotion to friends, colleagues, and family set him apart and helped make him the success in life that he became. Chris was preceded in death by our Dad Barney Elder and our Mother Billye J. Elder and is survived by his brother William Craig, and Boots, his cat. Chris will be memorialized in Las Cruces, New Mexico with a special place of honor next to our Dad and Mom at Masonic Cemetery, and also at his request, RemembranceGardens.com in Austin, Texas, a peaceful setting with flowing streams, waterfalls, and of course, lots of beautiful flowers. I should mention too that while working in El Paso, Texas Chris met Ms. Julie Mendez. They were together for many years and while in Austin Chris helped Ms. Mendez earn her degree from UT Austin. After graduating and starting work with Dell Computers, Ms. Mendez and Chris decided to wed. Chris honored me, his brother with being the Best Man at his wedding. Tragically for Chris, Ms. Mendez was an unfaithful wife which caused him excruciating inner pain and suffering. As Proverbs puts it so well, Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes delight in my ways, for a harlot is a deep pit, and an adulterous woman is a narrow well. Surely she lurks as a robber and increases the faithless among men. Proverbs 23:26-28 Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on June 27, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.