Earl Henry Elam, age 89, of Hillsboro, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 13. A Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 18, at Holly Hills Memorial Park in Granbury. A visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. Thursday, October 17, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro.

Earl was born on December 7, 1934, in Wichita Falls to Patrick Henry and Martha Maurine (Scoggin) Elam. He served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Korean Conflict.

Earl began his teaching career at Lubbock High School in Lubbock. There, he met Eleanor, who was, without a doubt, the love of his life. He later became a professor at Sul Ross University in Alpine, where he worked his way to becoming vice president of academic affairs. Earl was the founding director of the Center for Big Bend Studies at Sul Ross, which allowed students to thrive in their pursuit of education. Earl loved history and was a very active Texas State Historical Society member. After retiring, he continued to work as an editor at Hill College Texas Heritage Museum in Hillsboro. While at Hill College, his love for history and writing allowed him to publish a book on the Wichita Indians, which was a lifelong dream. He was an active member in the community, including the Methodist Church and the North Texas Airstream Community in which he lived. He and Eleanor were avid travelers and were often away in their Airstream. He loved to talk and share his infinite knowledge everywhere he went. Above all else, he loved his family! He loved his Lord and frequently stated that he has had a long relationship with Him. As a teenager, he decided to continue to expand his knowledge for as long as he lived, and he did.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Elam; parents, Patrick and Martha Elam; sisters, Evelyn Allison, Patricia Low, and Anita Elam; granddaughter, Kennedy Reynolds; and son-in-law, Rick Reynolds.

Earl is survived by his children, Karen Havenhill, Karla Elam, and Kasie Reynolds; brothers, Tom and Jerry Elam; grandchildren, Ryan Havenhill and his wife Katherine, Reagan and Reid Reynolds; and one great-granddaughter on the way.

Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, 315 E Elm St, Hillsboro, TX 76645.