Elmo O'Shannon

Elmo B. O’Shannon, 90, of Truth or Consequences, NM, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at the Avera Maryhouse in Pierre, South Dakota

Memorial services will be held at a later date in New Mexico and burial was held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2013 in the Highmore Cemetery.

Elmo B. O’Shannon was born March 14, 1923 in San Antonio, Texas to Patrick and Rose (Berlanga) O’Shannon.  He attended school in San Antonio and graduated from High School in 1942.  On February 18, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army serving his country honorably for 3 years with his tour of duty in the Philippines.  He was honorably discharged on January 14, 1946.  In 1943, he married his wife, Anne and to this union, two daughters were born.  Later in life, in 1972, Elmo married Maxine Sanderson of Highmore, SD.

He enjoyed and participated in several sports including playing semi-pro baseball for a Texas league and boxing.  Elmo always proudly state that it was during his short boxing stink that he met Marty Robbins, famous singer/songwriter.  Elmo also always said he retired early from boxing due to the fact that “the other guy hits back!” 

Elmo’s love of sports ultimately led him to a life as an avid golfer.  He began as a caddy when he was 14 years old.  He played on the professional tour for 2 years but found the prize money couldn’t support a family, therefore turned his attention in a different direction.  Elmo continued his love for golf and went to work building golf courses, his first being in Wickenburg, AZ in 1947.  Upon completion, he was fortunate to golf with the #1 Pioneer Athlete Women golfer, Babe Saharis. 

Throughout his career, Elmo designed and served as greens superintendent for several golf courses which included Green Valley, AZ; Tucson, AZ; Mexico City, Venezuela; Corpus Christi, TX; Little Rock, AR; and Oasis Golf Course in Elephant Butte, NM.  It was in Truth or Consequences, NM that Elmo enjoyed the last years of his life, sharing golf and life stories with his many friends at the Sierra Del Rio Golf Course as well as at the Truth or Consequences Municipal Golf Course.  Elmo was a very loving person, always enjoyed all his golf friends and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and skills.

Survivors include his daughters, Dena Willis and Cecily Budosh; adopted daughter, Sandi and Bill Shay of Pierre, SD; special friends, Mary Lou and Leonard Croteau of Elephant, NM; cousin, Rocky Berlanga (Lupe) of San Antonio, TX and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Rose; wife, Maxine in 1999; and brother-in-law, Bobby Sanderson in 1999.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Elmo’s arrangements.