On January 6, 2020, Pat Elliott died doing what he loved best, helping others. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 2, 1953 to Truman and Dorothy Elliott. He grew up in a poor family, the middle child of nine, and was dubbed “the Rebel” of the already rowdy bunch. He signed up for the Marine Corps in 1971 and served in The Vietnam War as a machine gunner. In his mid-twenties, Pat recommitted his life to Jesus. By the grace of God, his strength of spirit and passionate faithfulness, Pat became “the Reverend.” Always gifted with using his hands, Pat worked as a roofer, welder, and handyman extraordinaire. He used these gifts to bless countless people, family and strangers alike. He was a preacher at heart and loved to share about God’s love to all who would listen. Especially close to his heart was Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, where he volunteered as a chaplain for nearly 10 years. After retirement, he also volunteered his time and expertise at Omaha Rapid Response, helping those who had become homeless through storm or flood rebuild their lives. When he wasn’t helping others, Pat loved to spend his time out in nature. He spent long, joyful hours up in a deer stand, walking his hunting dogs through fields, catching award-winning fish, feeding backyard birds with his wife, and taming the wild berry bramble he planted in their backyard for all to enjoy. Pat gave generously to all people and befriended anyone and everyone, but he was particularly doting with the children who knew him as Grandpa, Papa, or Mr. Pat. He built playhouses, sandboxes, train tracks and impressive towers, doled out peanuts and pieces of gum, read books, changed diapers, led dance parties, and was rarely found without a baby in his arms. He was a deeply devoted husband, father, and grandfather who knew the Father’s love and shared this love every way he knew how. Pat is survived by Peggy, his wife of 35 years, his four sons, Patrick (Stephanie), Jonathan, Michael (Tasha), and Gabriel (Tricia) Elliott, two daughters, Kira (Kristopher) Day and Abigail (Benjamin) Eberly, ten grandchildren, Dalton, Breanna, Harper, Samantha, Seamus, Solomon, Eve, Rosemary, Sapphira, and Iona, and eight siblings, Bill, Dorothy, Tom, Mike, Nancy, David, Danny, and Paul.

Pat’s eternal smile, strong hands, and warm heart will be remembered by all who knew him. The light of the rebel turned reverend will continue to shine brightly through the lives of all those who felt the warmth of his love. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Pat Elliott to Good News Jail and Prison Ministry Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa or Omaha Rapid Response. Condolences and donations can be brought to the visitation or memorial service or sent to the family at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N 108th Street, Omaha, NE 68164.