Elmer L. Menefee's Obituary
Elmer L. “Mac” Menefee, 92, of Decatur passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2011 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Elmer L. “Mac” Menefee was born in Moline, IL on February 14, 1919. He was the son of Amanda Vogt and Harley Edward Menefee. He graduated from Garfield High School in Terre Haute, IN and attended Rose Polytechnic Institute before entering the U. S. Navy in 1942. He served aboard the U. S. S. Texas in World War II. He saw action at D-Day Omaha and Utah Beaches, Cherbourg, Southern France, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. His combat service was recorded in the book, Heroes Next Door by Lt. Commander USN retired Mark D. Griffith, M.D., and published by the American Legion.
In December of 1943, he married the late Freda Jane Shuff Menefee. They had one son, Michael Louis Menefee. Elmer is survived by Michael and his wife, Sandra, of Southern Pines, NC. He is also survived by four grandchildren, John wife: Juli of Greenbrier, TN, Sarah of West Lafayette, IN, Jeffrey wife: Jen of Maylene, AL, and James of Kokomo, IN and two great grandchildren, Micah and Isaiah. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, a stepson, a great granddaughter, Brielle, and long time companion, Ruth Kaylor.
He was founder and first president of Menefee and Associates, Inc. before retiring from the business in 2002. He previously worked at Mississippi Valley Structural Steel and Ornamental Iron Works. He attended the University of Illinois and was a professional engineer. He was a long time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Golden K Kiwanis, the Masons, the Shriners, the Elks, and South Side Country Club.
Funeral service to celebrate Mac’s life will be 2:00 PM Saturday September 24, 2011 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue. Visitation will be one hour before service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Maroa Township Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard.
The family of Elmer L. “Mac” Menefee is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Honored provider of Veteran’s Funeral Care, 2801 N. Monroe St. Decatur. View online obituary and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Elmer?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elmer?
Share a story where Elmer's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elmer you’ll never forget.
How did Elmer make you smile?