George Alonzo "Lonnie" Elam

Lonnie Elam, 80, of Unionville, MO, passed away at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO, on Thursday, December 6, 2012.
George Alonzo “Lonnie” Elam was born near Greentop, MO, in Adair County, on September 14, 1932, the son of John Andrew and Naza May (Flick) Macomber, who preceded him in death in 1944 and 1946. After their death he was adopted by Oscar L. and Naomi (Ashlock) Elam in Macon County, MO, who also preceded him in death. He graduated from New Cambria (MO) High School in 1950. He was a member of the Church of Christ, having been baptized as a young man, and working in the church as long as his health permitted. He last attended the Church of Christ in Pollock.
He entered the United States Army in October of 1953 at the end of the Korean conflict, spending most of his time in Texas, in communications.
On May 27, 1956 he was united in marriage to Doris Jean Atkins in Unionville, Mo, by Evangelist Laurence Swearengen and she survives at home. They started their married life together in Macon County, farming with Oscar Elam, before moving to Sullivan and Putnam counties where he farmed until starting employment with the Missouri Department of Transportation maintenance department in 1968, working out of the Lucerne shed in Putnam County. He retired in 1994.
Lonnie led his life by Christ’s teachings, loved his family and was a neighbor to all. He enjoyed being outdoors in his garden and his flowers as long as he was able.
Two sons were born to Lonnie and Jean – Larry Fern Elam of Princeton, MO, and Roger Leon Elam of Bolivar, PA, who survive. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Leah Marie Elam Duncan and husband Chris of Saugerties, NY and Tyla Dawn Elam of Bolivar, PA, and one great-grandson, Christopher Lee Duncan, Jr. of Saugerties, NY. Surviving brothers are Teddy Macomber and wife Mary of Webster, FL; Aaron Macomber and wife Gloria of Luray, MO; and Richard Macomber of Iowa. Surviving sisters are Kay Sidwell and husband Don of Queen City, MO; Leora Owens of California, and Donna Elam Brem of Macon, MO; sisters-in-law Dorothy Macomber of Waterloo, IA; Helen Macomber of Kakoha, MO; Louise (Atkins) Shultz and husband Bill of Unionville, MO, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Others who preceded Lonnie in death were a daughter-in-law, Gloria Elam, brothers William Macomber, Baxter Macomber and Peter Macomber as well as sisters Minnie Newenkirk, and her husband Elmer, Nola Hilty and her husband Victor, brother-in-law Bob Brem, sister-in-law Nelda Macomber, parents-in-law Coral and Fern Atkins.
Funeral services for Lonnie Elam were at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. Visitation was Monday, December 10 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Interment in the Lemons Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or the donor’s choice and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.