of Batesville, AR
June 9, 1938 - May 5, 2020
Durwood Lee Elms passed away on May 5, 2020 at his home in Batesville at the age of 81. He was born in Moorefield, Arkansas to Oriville and Mary Manning Elms.
He was a retired salesman and current owner of Elms Rentals. He was a 32 year veteran of the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, retiring as a Master Sargent. While he was a member of the Guard, he was deployed to Little Rock, Arkansas during the Central High School desegregation crisis in 1957. His guard unit protected President Kennedy at the dedication of the Greers Ferry Dam in 1963. He was a member of the Kelly-Wyatt Round Table. He was a 32nd degree Mason of Gainesboro #253 Lodge. He was a justice of the peace for Independence County for 10 years. He was a member of the White River Regional Housing Development. He was a member of West Baptist Church and also attended Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed camping, fishing, deer hunting and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jerry Elms and Tommy Elms.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Edith Broadwater Elms; a son, Ronnie Elms (Tresa); a daughter, Lesa Watson (Robert); three grandchildren, Allisun Dulli (Shane), John Michael Elms (Rebecca), and Rob Vaughn (fiance, Katie); six great-grandchildren, Hudson Dulli, Lyla Dulli, Ayda Elms, John Avery Elms, Sadie Elms and Sawyer Elms; and one sister, Jo Ann Craig (Eddie).
Graveside services will be held at noon on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Boris Dover, Tommy Wommack, James Roach, Eddie Craig, Donald Boles, and Dennis Broadwater.
Honorary pallbearers are Robert Watson, Dr. Jim Lytle, James Henry Melton, Clifford Reynolds, Denver Huskey, Bernard Sexton, Gerald Fullbright, James Leonard, and past members of Piney Creek Hunt Club, and his nephews and nieces.
Due to the CDC guidelines for Covid-19, we ask that you wear a face covering and social distancing will be observed at the graveside service.
Memorials may be made in his honor to Arkansas Children's Hospital 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR. 72202.
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31 Condolence(s)
Robert Ford, Jr.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
I am saddened to learn of the recent passing of Durwood. He was a good friend for many years. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Robert Ford, Jr.
(formerly of Batesville, AR)
Charles and Anne Allen
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Edith, those we love can never be more than a thought away; for as long as there’s a memory, they live on in our hearts. I have so many fond memories of Durwood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Smart
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Edith, you and all the family is in my prayers. I know this a hard time for everyone. Thoughts and prayersðŸ™
Gus Williamson
Friday, May 8, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Durwood's passing. He was a great servant at West Baptist Church and had a great influence on me. I really appreciated his wisdom and faithfulness. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May God comfort you during these days.
Gus Williamson
Sue Floyd
Friday, May 8, 2020
So Sorry for your loss
Sue Floyd
Bill Estes Janet Tosh
Friday, May 8, 2020
We are soo very sorry to hear of your loss.
Mellise wood
Friday, May 8, 2020
He was a really nice guy. He was one of my landlord.prayers for his family.
Betty Cockrill
Thursday, May 7, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Durwood. My thoughts and prayers are with each of your families.
Barry and Karen Lambert
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Sorry for your loss
Thelma Wyatt
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Thinking of you and your family with caring thoughts and sympathy for your loss.
James Mack Street
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Enjoyed national guard with Durwood. One year we came home during summer camp to get steaks for a big cookout.
Kevin Jeffery
Thursday, May 7, 2020
My condolences on your loss. Mr Elms made an impact in this world and raised a good family; what a wonderful testimony.
Larry Bonham
Thursday, May 7, 2020
I always felt at home with Durwood. He was one of my most favorite uncles. I'm sorry we won't be there for the service. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Laura Morris
Thursday, May 7, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
In Christ,
Mark & Laura Morris & Marley
Harlon Martin
Linda Wade
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Thinking of you.
Henrietta Turner
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Prayers for your family.
Bil and Marilyn Cash
Thursday, May 7, 2020
We are very sorry for your loss. Durwood was a great guy who always had something funny to say. I always enjoyed joking around with him. He had a very positive impact on his church and his community. We wish for comfort and peace for your family during this difficult time.
Duane and deniece Allen
Thursday, May 7, 2020
So sorry to hear this durwood was a very dear friend he'll be greatly missed
Vickie Huffman
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Will sure miss Durwood. He was always happy to have us visit and always made us feel at home. When we'd leave, he always invited us to come back anytime. I know he really loved his family and was so proud of you all. He brightened up when he talked about you all. Durwood would always say how much heissed my Dad. Now they can keep each other company. Love you all.
Sheila Finley
Thursday, May 7, 2020
I only met him a few times and thought he was great! Looking at his accomplishments he wasn’t just great he was awesome. I know he was truly loved.
Pam Stanley
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Prayers for your whole family. Durwood was such a good man. When my dad was sick, Durwood was so faithful to visit him.
Vikki Crow
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Prayers for comfort and peaceâ¤ï¸
Scott and Jacqui McSpadden
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Ms Edith and family,
We are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the months to come!
Mark Wright
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Condolences Ronnie.
Jill Murdock
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Thanks for the best childhood memories. Still my fave! Forever in my heart!!!
Eric Wood
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Sorry for your loss.
Randy & Nan Maxwell
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about Durwood. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Ellen Harmon
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Lesa, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Leslie Harris
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Jan
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
In my thoughts and prayers
Sammy Butler
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Deepest Condolences