Elmer Waldamore LaDue, 92, of Lewis, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday December 19, 2023. He was born November 11, 1931, in Crystal Lake, Illinois, to Elmer and Esther Nelson. After his birth parents died, Wilson and Mary LaDue adopted him and his sister Eldred and they grew up in Greenville, Illinois. Throughout his life, Elmer enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, especially his beloved wife, Marty whom he met at college. After their marriage in 1956, Elmer and Marty welcomed 4 children into their home, Larenda, Dan, Dave, and LeeAnn.  Together they created a warm and welcoming home, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. One of Elmer's favorite sayings was, "Adjust, Adapt, and Appreciate." which his children generally took to mean, "Don't sweat the small stuff."  He loved to write letters filled with wisdom and life lessons which he would send to the extended family, taking his responsibility as the family patriarch seriously. His last letters arrived this December and were very appreciated.

Elmer attended Indiana State University pursuing a teaching degree.  He was drafted into the Army, and went to Korea where he was a communications specialist during the armistice talks.  When discharged, he graduated college, then taught Industrial Arts and coached Basketball, Tennis and Swimming.  After a few years, he returned to ISU to work in the Placement Bureau, eventually becoming the director.

In his free time, Elmer had loved being outdoors. He spent multiple hours working on projects around the farm, including a lot of mowing and gardening. He also enjoyed taking the family on fishing trips, camping adventures, and exploring nature's beauty. He believed in giving to his community and helping those in need. Whether through volunteering or providing support to local initiatives, he made a positive impact on the lives of many. Elmer was a dedicated member of the World Gospel Church for over 50 years. With his gift of music, he sang solos with Marty playing the piano, and both sang as members of the WGC choir.

Elmer's greatest joy, however, came from being a loving parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent. His family was the center of his earthly world, and he delighted in each moment spent with them. He frequently commented how blessed he and Marty were with their children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and their respective kids and grandkids.

Elmer LaDue will be remembered as a compassionate, generous, and honorable man. His legacy of love and giving will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him. The sting of his passing is comforted by the wonderful knowledge that he is dancing in heaven with Jesus, the eternal reward he gained by the grace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which Elmer proclaimed in word, song and by how he lived his life. He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Marty, his four children and their spouses, his grandchildren and great grandchildren and his sister, Eldred. All of whom miss him.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 5, 2024, at DeBaun Springhill Chapel from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Service will begin at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.