Larry Fern Elam

Larry Fern Elam passed away at the Kirksville Manor in Kirksville, Missouri, on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

Larry was born December 26, 1958, in Centerville, Iowa, the son of George A. (Lonnie) and Doris Jean (Atkins) Elam.

Larry attended West Putnam R-III Grade School, and graduated from Putnam County R-I High School, class of 1977. After graduation Larry began doing carpentry work.

In 1984, Larry moved to Bolivar, Pennsylvania. He continued working for various construction companies, and was active in the community. Larry served as President of the West Fairfield Community Center, where he was involved in many projects, including coordinating the youth roller skating program.

In 1999, Larry moved to California, and spent nearly a decade in the Los Banos area. Eventually returning home to Missouri, he became a self-employed handyman, until multiple major health issues prevented him from working the trade that he loved so much.

Larry enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of all things, “Pittsburgh” – Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers. He loved watching NASCAR and was thrilled whenever his favorite driver, Carl Edwards, took the checkered flag. Larry could often be found searching for antiques at auctions and adding to his collection of Coca Cola memorabilia.

Larry grew up in the Church of Christ. Although his health was in serious decline, Larry was able to profess his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized for the remission of his sins, only 5 days before his death.

Larry is survived by his brother, Roger Elam, of Unionville; niece Leah (Elam) Duncan and husband, Chris; niece Tyla (Elam) Cesario and husband Devon; one grand nephew, Christopher Duncan, Jr.; and special friend, Sharon Frampton, as well as many others who knew and loved him.

Larry was preceeded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and his sister-in-law, Gloria Elam.

Memorials for Larry are suggested to the Family so they might direct them accordingly and may be entrusted to the Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.

Larry’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 2:00pm at the Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO. Larry’s Visitation will start at 12:30pm just before the funeral service. Burial will follow at the Lemon’s Cemetery.