James Leroy Elam

With the death of Leroy Elam on Nov. 26, 2013, his family and
friends have lost a wonderful friend. Leroy died at his home in Cheraw
following a long and courageous battle with cancer and went to be with his
Lord.
Leroy was born to James Christopher & Vada Winona
(Owens) Elam in
Grenville, New Mexico
on Nov. 10, 1935.
Leroy hauled gas for a trucking company in Raton,
N.M., then later worked for Kennedy
Trucking in Des Moines, N.M.,
hauling cattle and hay.
On Oct. 9, 1955, he
married Margaret Kennedy. Leroy married Alice Elam on June 9, 1971, in Albuquerque,
N.M.
Leroy and Alice moved to Cheraw in 1974 to the house
where they were living when he died. 
Leroy had been a trucker since he was 16, hauling
various hay, sand, gravel, gas and other petroleum products over the years. In
1975, the couple started Elam Trucking. At the highest point of their business
they operated nine trucks delivering petroleum products: gas, diesel and
propane to stations throughout Colorado.
Alice also assisted in the
business, sometimes accompanying Leroy on hauls and sharing the driving. When
they were ready to retire they sold Elam Trucking to Ben and Grace Matthews.
That was June 1, 2000.
Leroy and Alice "were made for each other."
Country western dancing was a big thing. They enjoyed traveling.
In September of 2013 the couple were named Cheraw
Community Day Honorary King and Queen. It was a great tribute to the Elams.
Leroy was even able to share "the first dance" with Alice.
A member of the Cheraw
United Methodist
Church, Leroy served on the Board
of Trustees.
Survivors include his wife, Alice, of the Cheraw
home; seven children, Leanne Maldonado, David Elam, 
Carol Elam, Paula Spence, all of Albuquerque; Larry Crow, Cheraw; Doug
(Jennifer) Crow, Sterling; Joe (Sherry) Crow, La Junta; 14 grandchildren and
nine great-grandchildren.
Following the service there will be a dinner and also
Leroy will get to take a ride through Cheraw on the last truck they owned.
Taking him on this ride will be his son, David Elam and grandson, Brandon Elam.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial donations to
Arkansas Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 408,
La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home.
Peacock-Larsen Funeral
Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.



Service for Leroy will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cheraw United Methodist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Tom Dudley, pastor of the church. Leroy was cremated.