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William Elijah
WILLIAM E. ELIJAH
Clarence
William E. Elijah, 81, of Clarence, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 13, 2022. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 20, at Zion United Church of Christ in Lowden with Pastor Susan Schneider-Adams officiating. Visitation will also be at Zion on Thursday, May 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial with military rites will be in Van Horn Cemetery in rural Lowden.
Bill was born Aug. 18, 1940, in Clarence to Robert and Thelma Harness Elijah. He married Sharon Fehling on June 1, 1963, at Zion UCC in Lowden.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon; son, Larry (Ellen) of Clarence; daughter, Sue (Todd Wynkoop) of Clarence; grandchildren, Caleb Davisson of Camden, N.Y., Caitlin (Connor) Schwienebart of Ankeny and Ben (Raini) Chapman of Clarence; great-granddaughters, Addy Davisson and Calli Chapman; and brother, Jerry (Betty) of Tipton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim.
Bill served his country in the Navy, including Okinawa and Vietnam, and was a MCB5 Seabees. He was a lifelong farmer who enjoyed cards, dirt track racing, and was a member of the American Legion Post 366 since 1966. He served many years on the FSA committee, was still a teenager in his heart and mind, and he knew somebody wherever he went. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Chapman Funeral Home has Bill and his family in their care. Memories and condolences may be left at www.chapmanfh.com.
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