JOHN C. ELAM JR., 89, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, April 16, 2013 at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita.

Born on May 3, 1923 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of John Vern and Bertha Mae (Watson) Elam. He was raised in Winfield and graduated from Winfield High School.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. Elam proudly served his country in the United States Navy where he was a naval machinist mate in the Pacific Theater. After serving in the military, John attended Kansas State University and received a degree in dairy science. While attending Kansas State he was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda.

John was united in marriage to Nadine Noyes on August 7, 1947 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The couple lived in Oklahoma City, Texarkana, Arkansas and Monroe, Louisiana where he was employed for Borden. In 1953 the couple returned to Winfield and made their home on the family farm. John retired from farming in 1988.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church and served as a deacon there for 3 years. John was a member of the American Legion Post #10, C-3 School Board, School Board District #43 and the Walnut Township Board. He enjoyed woodworking and had made grandfather clocks for each of his children. He also produced many items for the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar.

His family includes:
His wife: Nadine of the home;
His sons: John Charles Elam III and wife Jean of Winfield, KS; and Eric David Elam and wife Marcia of Scottsdale, AZ;
His daughters: Nancy McGregor and husband Bob of Winfield, KS; Melody Spencer and husband Terry of Little Elm, TX; and Christine Johnson and husband Kevin of Salina, KS;
His sister: LaVerna Sorrels of Ramona, CA;
His grandchildren: Jason, Justin and Jill Elam, Craig Elam, Lori Young, Ashley and Anna McGregor, Jennifer Kirby and Chad Spencer; and
His 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Winfield. Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, northwest of Winfield. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M., that evening.

A memorial has been established in John's name for the First Baptist Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.