Wayne Lee Elam

Wayne Lee Elam, a lifetime cattle rancher, passed away on January 7, 2024, at the age of 95 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on April 25, 1928, in Chelsea, Oklahoma, Wayne spent 25 years with the Kaiser Corporation. However, his passion was cattle and dedicated his life to the cattle industry. He was known for his hard work and dedication to his craft. Wayne's enjoyment for ranching began at an early age and he pursued it with unwavering commitment. He spent countless hours tending to his herd, ensuring their well-being and ensuring the sustainability of his ranch. Wayne's expertise in cattle ranching earned him a well-respected reputation among his peers. The Elam’s were named Mayes County Farm Family of the year in 1976. Outside of his profession, Wayne had a variety of hobbies and interests. He found peace in the simplicity of nature and enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors. Wayne also possessed a green thumb and took pleasure in gardening, particularly growing corn and watermelon. Family was an essential part of Wayne's life. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren, finding joy in witnessing them grow and thrive. In 1959, Wayne married Niva Pritchett, sharing many beautiful years together until her passing in 2019.  Wayne will be remembered not only for his accomplishments as a cattle rancher but also for his unwavering work ethic that served as an example to all who knew him. His commitment to excellence extended beyond the confines of his profession into all aspects of life.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Creekside Church in Pryor with Chris King officiating. Burial will follow in the Graham Memorial Cemetery with Austin Ford, Alex Ford, Drew Elam, Jeremy Hooker, Kyle Elam, and Mark Campbell serving as casket bearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Shipman's Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service. 

Wayne is survived by his sons, Steve Elam and wife Paula of Nowata, Oklahoma, Scott Elam and wife Sandra of Pryor, Oklahoma, and Barry Elam and wife Shannon of Pryor, Oklahoma; honorary son, Chris King and wife Kristen of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; sisters, Shirley Stanberry of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Linda Clubb of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Kyle, Juli, Tiffany, Kasi, Erin, Chelsea, Drew, Mark and Maddison; step grandchildren, Aaron Ford, Alex Ford, Austin Ford, Vicki Parks, Michelle Nunn, Derek Nunn, Chande Stacy, and Macee Bell; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Earl and Bessie Elam; wife, Niva Elam; brother, JW Elam, and sisters, Earlene Reynolds, and Caroline Maybee.