Elmer Oliver

Elmer Leon Oliver, a man of steadfast faith, unwavering dedication, and profound kindness, passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 87 in Baytown, Texas. Born on February 24, 1937, in Haskell County, Kansas, to Sylvester Thompson Oliver and Opal Marie Dunsworth, Elmer's life journey was one marked by integrity, service, and love.

Growing up amidst the idyllic landscapes of a small farming community in Kansas, Elmer imbibed the values of hard work and compassion from an early age. His family eventually settled in Dayton, Texas, where Elmer spent the majority of his life, contributing tirelessly to his community and nurturing a profound connection with his faith.

A retired Civil Superintendent with Brown and Root, Elmer's professional life was characterized by diligence and dedication. However, his true calling lay in his role as a devoted member and deacon of Calvary Baptist Church of Dayton, where he was a founding pillar. Elmer's commitment to his church was unwavering, and he instilled the same sense of dedication in his children, teaching them the importance of faithfulness and service to others.

Known for his willingness to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed, Elmer embodied the principle of selflessness. Whether it was repairing the church or taking on various tasks within the church, he approached every endeavor with grace and generosity.

Beyond his professional and communal roles, Elmer was a skilled carpenter, a hobbyist beekeeper, and a licensed private pilot. His talents extended to music, as he played the guitar and found joy in sharing his skills with others. Elmer's love for the natural world was evident in his mastery of gardening and his knack for nurturing orange trees, earning him the title of a master gardener among his family.

Elmer's legacy of wisdom, kindness, and hard work lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Linda Oliver, his sons Roy Oliver (Angie) and Jason Oliver (Christy), daughters Debra Jackson (Jerry) and Kathy Claunch (Michael), sister Betty Brent, grandchildren, Candice Jansen and husband Jeremy, Leah Stevenson and husband Frankie, Amber Oliver, Lori Stephenson and husband John, Tristan Oliver, John Michael Claunch, Jaycen OIiver, Ashton Oliver; great-grandchildren, Oliver, Otto and August Jansen, Clark and Lucy Stevenson, Noah and Benjamin Stephenson and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Leland Oliver, Darlene Dickson, and Velda Holsten, and his granddaughter Rachel Olivia Claunch. Elmer's memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation for Elmer will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Dayton on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A service honoring his life will take place on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, followed by interment at Palms Cemetery in Dayton. All arrangements are under the compassionate care of Pace Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton.

Pallbearers for Elmer will be Jerry Jackson, Michael Claunch, Tristan Oliver, John Michael Claunch, Jaycen Oliver, and Ashton Oliver, with the deacons of Calvary Baptist Church serving as honorary pallbearers.