DOWAGIAC, Mich. – Elmon E. Stroud, 95, Dowagiac, passed away Nov. 24, 2014, at his daughter’s home in New Paris. He was born Sept. 5, 1919, in Mountain View, Ark., to Amos and Annie Key Stroud. In 1947, in Paw Paw, Mich., he married Alverna Zerbe, who preceded him in death. He enrolled and served five months in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1942, serving his country during World War II. In 1950 he enlisted in the Army National Guard, again serving his country for three years. He received EAME Theater ribbon, three 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, he retired from Kawneer Corp, Niles, Mich., and then from Jessup Door Company, Dowagiac. He 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. He enjoyed his time at the senior center in Syracuse. He won several awards for walking the furthest distance, and up until a year ago was still walking two miles every day. He is survived by his son, Mark (and spouse June) Stroud, Granger; three daughters: Claudia LaPorte, Dowagiac; Brenda (and spouse Wayne) Westfall, Decatur, Mich.; Carolyn (and spouse Gary) Rogel, New Paris; a daughter-in-law, Cindy, Kalamazoo, Mich.; eight grandchildren: Michael (and spouse Kelly) Stroud, Coldwater; Angela Stroud, Charles (and spouse Jennifer) Laporte, Shawn Laporte, all of Dowagiac; Michelle (and spouse Travis) Clark, Kalamazoo; Dawn (and spouse Pat) Boulac, Granger; Wayne Jr. and Adam Westfall, both of Decatur; 14 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Evan Stroud, Dowagiac. He also was preceded in death by a son, Greg; a grandson, Burton; three sisters: Eula, Lucy and Mamie; and three brothers: Houston, William and Manuel. A Celebration of Life service will be at noon Monday at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Burial is in Mission Hills, Niles. Calling is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to the Salvation Army in his memory. Condolences may be sent via www.clarkch.com
