Lt. Cmdr. Joe Lee Elm, USNR (Ret.)

Joe Elm, 85, was born in Genoa, Neb., to Ora and Zella Elm. His early years on a farm taught him not only the mechanics of farming, but also the value and rewards of hard work. The family moved to Portland, Ore., in 1937 where Joe graduated from high school and ultimately from Lewis & Clark College.

Joe entered the Navy as a cadet and received his wings and commission in 1945 shortly before the end of WWII. His first squadron aboard the USS Midway involved a cruise to Greenland and Labrador to test planes and carrier operations in sub zero weather.

Joe returned to civilian life for a few years and after completing his college degree, returned to the Navy as a flight instructor in Pensacola, Fla. Intelligence school followed with tours of duty in Coronado, Calif., Washington, D.C., and CINCPAC in Honolulu. He flew the P-5M for several years including a tour off Vietnam. Joe had an accompanied tour to Adak, as Administration Officer, followed by his final year at NAS Whidbey retiring in 1972 with over 29 years of service.

After retirement, Joe was a counselor for the VA in Honolulu and at the Skagit Valley College. He was active in Navy League and served as Secretary for TROA. Joe enjoyed bowling, golf, Little Theater work, bridge and was a life member of the Masonic Order.

Most importantly, Joe was a devoted and loving husband and father. He was a humble, compassionate and very understanding man. He was a real gentleman.

His wife Willida and his four children accompanied Joe to his many duty stations.

Joe died Jan. 6, 2008, following a brief illness at home with Willida, his wife of 63 years, son Steve and daughters Candis Lee and Cheryl, along with John, a devoted son-in-law, and other family members at his side.

His parents, brother and a grandson preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife Willida; children, Candis Lee Englant and grandsons Greg and Rick (Renee); son Joe Lee Elm Jr. (Barbara) and granddaughter Leinani Sypert (Jonathan), grandsons Mike (Jane), Matt and Marty; son Steve (Laura) grandson Erik and granddaughter Arianna; daughter Cheryl Blankenship (John); sister Patricia Anderson (Gene); three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Oak Harbor’s First United Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Health Care & Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital, 101 North Main Street, Coupeville, Wash., 98239, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.