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John Elam Obituary
JOHN G. "RICK" ELAM, 74, of Huntington, WV, passed away at home on December 29, 2024.
Rick was born in September 1950, the only son of the late John D. and Helen Smallridge Elam.
Rick was a lifelong resident of Huntington having graduated from Huntington High School in 1968.
He had a passion for baseball that began at an early age and was voted First Team All-State Baseball his senior year, an honor of which he remained proud.
Rick cherished his days playing and coaching League 3 and Babe Ruth Baseball and enjoyed watching his players grow into young men.
Rick graduated from Marshall University with a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master's degree in Occupational Safety and Health.
He was an employee of Special Metals for over 20 years and then worked for various safety companies performing bridge and road inspections.
Rick was a member of New Baptist Church, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and was a long-standing member of Huntington Lodge No. 53, A.F. & A.M, whose members will conduct graveside rites and serve as pallbearers.
Rick was the Past Grand Commander of West Virginia, Past Commander of Huntington Commandery No. 9, Past High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter No. 6, and Past Worshipful Master of Huntington No. 53.
At the time of his passing, Rick served as the Secretary of Huntington Commandery No. 9, the Royal Arch Chapter No. 6, and Knight's Temple Association. Rick was also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, The Scottish Rite, and a Knight Mason.
Rick's distinguished 50-year resume in the Masonic Fraternity along with his love of the fellowship of Freemasonry provided many opportunities to travel throughout West Virginia lending a helping hand to "his brothers" where needed.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Trudy Hudson Elam, and daughters Ashley (Seth) Summers, of Milton, WV, and Adrienne (Brian) Kitts, of Tipp City, OH. His grandsons Mason Elam, Marshall Summers, and Espen Kitts brought Rick much joy, laughter, and love.
Friends may call from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at New Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12 p.m. the following day at New Baptist Church with burial in Woodmere Memorial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Elam
5 Entries
Ira Miller
January 19, 2025
Dear Elam family,
I just found out about Rick and I love all of you and always pray for you. Rick was a wonderful man and so are all of you. I'm a better man for knowing Rick and all of you. I will do anything I can to help and I pray God lets all you grieve and just just know I love all of you.
Your friend always,
Ira
David Allen, Denver
January 6, 2025
A friend for 50 years and a Masonic Brother. No finer guy.
A great loss.
Barbara Orwig
January 4, 2025
Trudy- I am so sorry for your loss.
David DuVall
January 3, 2025
Trudy,
I'm so sorry for your loss of Rick. We knew each other from an early age dating back to our days of Pee Wee and Little League baseball and of course from our years at Huntington High. I hadn't seen Rick for a while but always considered him a good friend.
Jim cummings
January 3, 2025
So sorry to hear about Rick...condolences to all. I Met Rick through baseball where he coached in LL for another team and then I played for him in Babe Ruth. So knowledgeable and passionate about the game. He was a baseball man through & through. We also became friends and always enjoyed seeing him and getting updates on Trudy and the girls, who he loved dearly. I owe him much for keeping me In Baseball and know others will miss him dearly.
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