HAMILTON - Edwin McElroy, a longtime resident of Hamilton, MT went home to be with his Lord on Monday, April 2, 2012. He was born to Melville and Ruth McElroy in Fowler, CA on May 26, 1926. He was one of six children.
Ed graduated from Clovis High School, Clovis, CA in 1944. He grew up during the Depression and entered the Navy right out of High School to serve his country in World War II. When the war ended he moved to Oklahoma to study aviation mechanics. After returning to California he met and married Betty Goolsby and they had three sons, Timothy from Oklahoma, Thomas and Brent both from Washington.
During the Korean conflict he joined the Air Corps Reserve and served as an aviation mechanic for over one and one-half years. On his return to civilian life Ed went into carpentry work and became a contractor and established McElroy Builders in California.
His first marriage ended in divorce and Ed subsequently met and married Molly Masters Ralph and became stepfather to James and Daniel Ralph and Melinda Jacobson. Ed and Molly were married thirty-eight years. They faithfully attended and served at the Corvallis Community Church where they were members.
Ed was preceded in death by one brother, Phil and a sister, Ruth Cate and both of his parents. He is survived by his wife, Molly and his siblings Elva Crabtree, Gerald McElroy and Lois Hyer. He is also survived by his children and their families. He has four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Donations in memory of Ed may be made to the Gideons Organization, 2725 Mulberry Lane, Missoula, MT.
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