The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Joe Prentice Elam, 80, of Bridge City, passed away on January 8, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 12, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Officiating will be Chaplain Mike Anderson and Mel Erwin. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in Orange, Texas, on August 3, 1941, he was the son of Cecil Elam and Lillian (Taylor) Elam. Joe proudly and honorably served in the United States Air Force.

He was a jack of all trades, and worked as the city editor for the Beaumont Enterprise, moving on to work for DuPont as a control room operator for 24 years, as well as coaching softball. Joe lived life to its fullest, traveling with his wife, Sue in their motorhome and spending as much time with his family as possible. He was known for his sense of humor, being sarcastic, and always coming up with the best nicknames for everyone he met. Joe loved listening to music, having fish fry's, and BBQing for his beloved family. Joe left an impact on many lives and will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Lillian Elam; brother, David Elam; and sister, Cecil Moss.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sue Elam; children, Connie Anderson and husband Mike, Kellie Fontenot, and Karen Baker and husband Mike; grandchildren, Lynsie Martin and husband Jonathan, Garrett Baker and wife Courtney, and Cade Baker and fiancé, Maddie Thibodeaux; great grandchildren, Jensen Baker, Jesse Cade Baker, and Elam Martin; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Baker, Cade Baker, Jonathan Martin, Garrett Baker, Gary McRae, and Larry Moss.

Honorary pallbearers are Pete McRae.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice for the loving care they provided to Joe and the family during this difficult time.