Sept. 5, 1919 — Nov. 24, 2014

Elmon E. Stroud, 95, of Dowagiac, passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at his daughter’s home in New Paris, Indiana.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 at 1noon., also at Clark Chapel. Burial will follow at Mission Hills in Niles. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army in his memory. Those wishing to sign Elmon’s memory book may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Elmon was born Sept. 5, 1919 in Mountain View, Arkansas to Amos and Annie (Key) Stroud. Elmon enrolled and served five months in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940. He then enlisted in the United States Army in July of 1942, serving his country during WWII. In 1950 he enlisted in the Army National Guard, again serving his country for three years.

Elmon received EAME Theater Ribbon, 3 Bronze stars, a Good Conduct Ribbon and a World War II Medal. He was very proud of his country and was honored to have served. In 1947 Elmon married the former Alverna Zerbe in PawPaw, Michigan. Elmon retired from Kawneer Corp in Niles, Michigan and then from Jessup Door Company in Dowagiac, Michigan. Elmon was very proud of his garden which he cared for with much love and lots of time.

He had a collection of Cannonball flower bulbs that he planted every year with the original bulbs being 35 years old. Elmon enjoyed his time at the Senior Center in Syracuse, Indiana. He won several awards for walking the furthest distance and up until a year ago was still walking two miles every day.

Elmon is survived by his son Mark (June) Stroud of Granger, Indian; his daughters Claudia LaPorte of Dowagiac, MI., Brenda (Wayne) Westfall of Decatur, Michigan., Carolyn (Gary) Rogel of New Paris, Indiana; a daughter-in- law Cindy of Kalamazoo, Michigan; grandchildren Michael (Kelly) Stroud of Coldwater, Angela Stroud of Dowagiac, Michelle (Travis) Clark of Kalamazoo, Dawn (Pat) Boulac of Granger, Charles (Jennifer) Laporte of Dowagiac, Shawn Laporte of Dowagiac, Wayne Jr. and Adam Westfall of Decatur; 14 great-grandchildren; and a brother Evan Stroud of Dowagiac, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his wife Alverna, a son Greg; a grandson Burton; his sisters Eula, Lucy and Mamie; and his brothers Houston, William and Manuel.