William (Bill) Ward Elam was born on 18 July 1934 in Greenville, Bond, Illinois.
1,2 He died on 17 January 2016, at age 81.
2 He was buried in Mulberry Grove Cemetery, Mulberry Grove, Bond, Illinois.
2 US Marine Corps- 1954-1962. William (Bill) Ward Elam was educated Master's in Education- Northern Illinois University.
1 He was a Teacher/ Pastor. Pastor Bill W. Elam, age 81, a resident of St. Charles, IL, went to be with the Lord January 17.
Bill was born July 18, 1934 to the late William Arch and Georgia J. (Grill) Elam in Greenville, Illinois. He graduated from Dixon High School in 1952 and began studies at Northern Illinois University. His university education was interrupted by a tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps. He served with the Marines (active and reserve) from 1954-1962. During his tour of duty with the Marines, he married his high school sweetheart Pat (Bolender) on September 19,1954. They have four children. Bill resumed his education at Northern Illinois University completing both a bachelors and masters degree in Education majoring in geography and earth science. He later received doctoral training at the University of Oklahoma specializing in Geography and Psychology. Bill pursued a career in professional education, teaching at high school and college levels. He served as a Social Studies Supervisor for the Ill. Dept. of Education; Executive Director of the National Council for Geographic Education, and as an acquisitions editor for Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Bill's life and career changed dramatically on April 19, 1982. Bill had fallen into the bondage of alcoholism. God miraculously intervened and saved his life delivering him from the compulsion to use alcohol. He and Pat immersed themselves in the 12-Step program of recovery, resulting in the recommitment of their lives to Jesus Christ and to their marriage. Bill answered God's call (Isaiah 61:1) to a pastoral counseling ministry and trained at Lincoln Christian Seminary in Lincoln, Illinois.
In 1987, the Lord inspired Bill and Pat to begin a Christ-centered, 12-Step recovery/support group fellowship, ELEEO Ministries ('Eleeo', a Greek word meaning “mercy in action”). The fellowship emphasizes the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-16) as the foundation for true recovery and Christian living. Bill and Pat were commissioned as home missionaries in 1989. In their full time ministry, they provided pastoral counseling, group Bible Studies, group leader training seminars, conferences and workshops on recovery topics. The Lord has blessed the ministry as it continues presently with a number of recovery/support groups in the Fox Valley area.
Bill was an avid sports fan all his life, taking delight in the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, Dallas Cowboys football team and NASCAR racing. A highlight for him was a trip to the Talladaga race track to watch a Sprint Cup race. He enjoyed weather watching, collecting ball caps, a well kept lawn and garden. Bill delighted in discussing geopolitics with all who would listen. Most of all, he loved Jesus Christ and desired that all would find the Truth, as he had, that would set them free.
Bill leaves to rejoice in his home going his wife of 61 years, Pat; children, daughter Cheri (Steve) Carter, son Brad (Kathy) Elam, son Bill (Jane) Elam, daughter Bev (Ron) Braunsky; grandchildren, Georgia Elam, Kaitlin and Katherine Elam, Stephanie (Ross) Leigh, Chris, Elizabeth and Alison Carter; great grand-daughters Chloe Carter and Alexis Elam. A sister, Gloria Rinaman, nephews Tim Rinaman and Luke(Yara) Rinaman and grand-niece Katie Rinaman.
In lieu of usual remembrances please consider a donation to ELEEO Ministries 1229 Rita Avenue St. Charles IL 60174 or a charity of your choosing.
A visitation will be held January 30 from 10:00 until 10:30 the time of the service at Valley View Baptist Church, 6 IL-25 St Charles IL 847-742-9764. Interment will follow at Mulberry Grove Cemetery in Mullberry Grove, Illinois.
For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.