John Elmore

John Thomas Elmore died at age 88 on February 21, 2025 in Dallas, TX from complications with leukemia. He was born in Vancouver, WA on August 6, 1936 to John Thomas Elmore and Dolly Melvina (Walker) Elmore. He graduated from Kaiserslautern High School in Germany, received a BA in Sociology from Oregon State University, followed by a Doctorate in Ministry from Claremont School of Theology. John, also known as Tom by family members, served in the US Army from 1954 to 1958, including assignments in Taiwan and Fort Huachuca, AZ with the Army Security Agency. Following his honorable discharge, he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation in Salem, OR as an engineering technician. He served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church 1966 - 1975. He subsequently worked in government management roles in Southern California until his retirement in 1996. John was a lifelong Boy Scout. He spent his retirement doing what he loved best: traveling throughout the West, camping and "messing about in boats". He is survived by his daughters, Dione Elmore Say and Penny Elmore; grandchild Dre Say; sister, Betty Ranche and brother, Bill Carpenter; and many close and loving friends. Burial at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.