Elijah Monroe Garretson

It is with a deep and lasting sorrow that we announce the death of Elijah Monroe Garretson, 27, of Copperas Cove, TX. Elijah was born March 18, 1998, in Lowell, Massachusetts, and raised in and around Manchester, NH. Elijah lost his life in service to the citizens of the Copperas Cove community on January 11, 2026.

Elijah, better known as Eli, graduated from Memorial High School in June 2016. After taking a year to assess Elijah went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Hood, TX with the Headquarters and Headquarters company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry regiment, 1st armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Elijah left the Army in June 2024 with the rank of Sergeant after 7 years of service. Elijah then went on to serve the Copperas Cove, TX community as a police officer. While attending academy Elijah was directly involved in saving the life of a fellow cadet experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. After that he graduated as the Academic Honor Graduate from his class at Central Texas Community College Academy June 27, 2025.

Elijah was first and foremost a father. He leaves behind a beautiful 5-year-old daughter Elliana. Elijah married Alexis Hering of Copperas Cove, TX on July 25, 2025, with a formal ceremony planned for April 12, 2026. Elijah loved spending time with his wife and daughter.

He was also a fan of sports at all levels, most recently of Texas high school and college sports but also a lifelong New England Patriots, and Boston Red Sox fan. Eli played several sports growing up but early on gravitated to soccer. He loved the intensity and competition and played indoor and outdoor soccer year-round. Eli also enjoyed collecting fossils and minerals, playing video games, spending time with his dog Oddie, listening to music and reading.

Elijah was our son, a husband, a father, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, a mentor, a friend, and a source of admiration to so many. Elijah filled our hearts with immense pride and joy. He was highly intelligent, kind, and considerate. When he smiled, he lit up the room.

Elijah’s memory will live on in those that survive him including his wife Alexis of Copperas Cove, TX; his daughter Elliana of San Antonio, TX; parents Roger & Lea Garretson of New Boston, NH; former wife Esmie Arredondo of San Antonio, TX and her family; grandparents Sherry Garretson of New Boston, NH and Randy & Mary Monroe of Litchfield, NH; sister Laney Garretson of New Boston, NH; in-laws Brian & Amanda Hering and their son Zachary of Copperas Cove, TX; aunts and uncles: Dara Garretson of New Boston, NH; Leo Schofield of Bedford, NH; Rick & Kelly Ladd of Bow, NH; Jennifer Arrow of Keene, NH; Lee Donley of Butler, PA; Cindy & Jarod Hampson of Milford, NH; Derek & Sara Monroe of Newmarket, NH and numerous cousins and extended family. Predeceased by his grandfather Gene Garretson, grandmother Donna Butler and uncles Bryan Garretson, Michael Garretson, and Rusty Garretson.

Funeral services with Full Police Honors will be held 10 A.M. Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Cadence Bank Center, 301 West Loop 121, Belton, Texas 76513.

Funeral Service entrusted to the care of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove.