Orville Elam

Mr Orville Elam, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loved ones, on October 24th, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Orville graduated with the class of ’65 from Monroe High School. Went on to work for Avon for 42 and a half years until he retired in 2010 to enjoy his time with his wife, family hanging out at Todd’s IGA “Liars Club”. He was a lifetime resident of Trenton.

Orville was born in Dayton Ohio, to Warner Elam and Hannah Elam. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years Judy, parents Warner Elam (Father), Hannah Elam (Mother), Christine Dyehouse (Step-daughter); sisters, Pat (John) and Juanita (Arlie), brothers; Ray, Don (Jane). Those left to cherish Orville’s memory are his daughter: Nancy Groh (Steve); son: Michael Elam; Step-son: Brian (Juanita) 9 grandchildren; Ashley (David), Liana (Mike), Stephen (Breanna), Laura, Jami (James), Dustin (Stacy), Noah, Steven(Sarah, Kayla; 21 great grandchildren; Daniel, Brenda, Aaliyah, Calder, Eastinn, Waylonn, David, Landen, Cato, Liliana, Peyton, Rylie, Liam, Gus, Zana, Layla, Jolena, Desaree, Ariana, Isaiah, Lila; brother; Larry, many nieces and nephews. He will be loved and cherished by a host of family and friends.

Those who knew Orville appreciated his genuine nature and his unwavering kindness. He had a unique ability to speak his mind, making him both honest and approachable. Described as sometimes abrasive but undeniably one of the nicest people you would ever meet. Orville was a reliable and generous friend, a faithful father and a gentle loving grandfather, and always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a warm smile. Orville gave life his all and invited everyone he met to participate. He was a perfect mix of sweetheart and savage and strived to be a simple kind of man. Football was an integral part of Orvilles's life. He had a profound love for all sports, with a special fondness for the Dallas Cowboys. Beyond the football field, he relished the thrill of building/restoring cars and cherishing every moment spent with friends and fellow enthusiasts. He was an avid lover of music with going to many concerts the most memorable ones being Gordon Lightfoot and The Eagles.

While Orville was not known to be religious, he found faith and peace in Jesus near the end of his illness and defeated death by putting his trust in him. Going peacefully at home in his sleep with his loved ones and his cat.

Visitation will be held in the Woodside Chapel, 1401 Woodside Blvd., Middletown, Ohio 45044 on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from Noon until Services at 1:00 pm with Rev. James Love Jr. officiating.