Obituary

L. Bert Elam, 89, of Olton, died Friday, April 10, 2009 in Olton. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m. today. Services are 10 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Olton with Brother Patrick Hamilton and Pastor Valentine Martinez officiating. Interment will follow at Plainview Memorial Park under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors. Mr. Elam was born August 18, 1919, in Aiken, Texas, to Charles and Mamie Elam. He married Theresa "Johnny" Bicknell on December 19, 1938, and was an accomplished farmer until his retirement in 1983. He was a longtime area resident and former member of the rotary club. He had a servant's heart and volunteered at Sandhill's Village Assisted Living Center. He also loved volunteering to work elections and was a deacon in the Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa, in 1996; a son-in-law, Dale Tyler, in 1998; and a grandson, Danny Tyler, in 2003. Mr. Elam is survived by his son, Larry Elam and his wife, Brenda of Olton; three daughters, Patsy A. Tyler of Wilsonville, Alabama, Linda M. Busteed of Willis, Texas, and Joy E. Freeman and her husband, Rick of Amarillo; twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Runningwater Draw Care Center, P.O. Box 409 Olton, TX 79064 or the American Cancer Society, 3411 73rd St. Lubbock, TX 79423