Robert Elam

Dr. Robert John "Robby" Elam, 41, passed away on May 6, 2025, in Goshen, Ohio, after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. Born on January 11, 1984, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Robert lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education and the environment.

Robert's academic journey was as diverse as it was impressive. He earned a diploma from the Ohio Center of Broadcasting in 2007 and an associate degree from Cincinnati State before pursuing numerous degrees at the University of Cincinnati. His dedication culminated in the achievement of his PhD in Biology in 2023-a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his love for science.

A gifted educator at heart, Robert saw every moment as a teaching opportunity. Regardless of where Robert was he shared his passion for knowledge with infectious enthusiasm. Several hundred students were fortunate to learn from him over the years-each one touched by his depth of knowledge and unique ability to make complex topics come alive.

Beyond academia, Robert was a man of many talents and interests. A talented musician with an eclectic taste in genres, he found joy in creating and sharing music. He had a deep appreciation for philosophy and spent countless hours studying Latin and classical works. His love for nature extended beyond scholarship; he was known to "ruin" hikes by pointing out invasive plant species-an endearing habit that reflected both his expertise and his environmental advocacy.

Robert's hobbies painted a vivid picture of a life well-lived: he was a former skateboarder who never lost his sense of adventure; a pinball enthusiast who delighted in the game's rhythm and challenge; and an active Freemason who valued tradition and community. But above all else, he cherished time spent with his son Otto-those moments were the heartbeat of his world and inspired him in so many ways.

He is survived by his beloved wife Amy; his son Otto; brother Jason Raines (Jessica); sisters Amber Raines and Summer Nickell (Matt); uncle Stephen Elam (Margie); mother-in-law Pamela Mangen (Rick); father-in-law Tony Detrick (Denise); brother-in-law Adam Detrick (Dana); step-sibling-in-laws Haley and Matthew Carr; along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives he enriched.

Robert was preceded in death by his father Robert L. Elam; mother Lawanda Raines; grandfather Robert E. Elam; and grandmother Louise Elam.

Robert was one of a kind-a cherished father, husband, friend, scholar, musician, environmentalist, and teacher whose legacy will continue through those he inspired. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 8, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM at Enoch T. Carson Lodge #598 located at 218 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220. Services and sharing will be held from 12:00pm-1:00pm for those who wish to attend. Food and fellowship will follow immediately after until 3:00pm. Please join us in celebrating Robert's life and feel welcome to bring your favorite stories to share. We ask that you remember Robert not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

If you would like to make a contribution in his honor we are arranging a legacy tree to be planted in his name at Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum:

https://gofund.me/5acb0cbf

There is also a scholarship in Robert's name in the works at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Details will be published as we finalize them or feel free to reach out to robertelamlegacy@gmail.com for updates/questions.