Kenneth Raymond ‘Bob’ Elms
Kenneth Raymond “Bob” Elms, 72, died Jan. 1, 2011, at his home in the Cassie area of Lake Buchanan. He was born in Leakey Feb. 26, 1938, to William and Norma (Dotson) Elms.
“Chief,” as he was also known, was married to the former Charolette Hannemann for 50 years.
During a 28-year career in the Army, they lived overseas in France, Germany; Jakarta, Indonesia and Belgrade, Yugoslavia. He served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a sergeant major and received numerous medals and awards, most notably three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star Medal and an Air Medal.
They later made their home in New Orleans, Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; Redstone Arsenal, Ala.; Columbus, Ohio, and finally Cassie.
During a second career, he worked 18 years as a correctional sergeant for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Douglas, Ariz. During that time he created a Tactical Officers Academy and was also tactical situation unit commander.
For the past four years he served as chief of the Cassie Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition to his wife, survivors include sister Jennie “Sissy” Koch; stepsister Angie Mouser; stepbrothers Larry McGee and Michael Pierce; and sister-in-law Barbara and husband Phil.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service is 10 a.m. Jan. 22 at the Cassie VFD located near Lake Buchanan with the Rev. Michael Wiggins, chaplain of the fire department, officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the Highland Lakes Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cassie VFD, c/o P.O. Box 184 Buchanan Dam, TX 78609.
The family thanks members of the Cassie VFD, Seton Highland Lakes Hospital in Burnet and Seton Highland Lakes Hospice for their care during his brief battle with cancer.
Condolences and thoughts can be offered at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.
Arrangements and cremation handled by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 East in Burnet, (512) 756-2222.