Robert Lee Elam, of Freeburg, was born on January 7, 1935, at Ferguson, the son of Walter Robert and Dorothy Kathryn (Farmer) Elam, and departed this life at 3:48 p.m., on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, in StoneBridge Care Center, Westphalia. He had attained the age of 85 years, 3 months, and 15 days.

Robert was first united in marriage to the former Miss Patricia Teresa Maniaci, who preceded her husband in death in 1971. He was later united in marriage on August 19, 1972, at Jennings, to the former Miss Barbara Elizabeth Ralston, who preceded her husband in death on July 13, 1997.

Robert was a 1953 graduate of the Ferguson High School, and on August 25, 1957, at St. Louis, he entered into active federal service in the Army of the United States and served until February 15, 1958, when he was discharged at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, at the rank of Private E-2 (P), and released to the United States Army Reserve, where he served for six years attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6, prior to his Honorable Discharge.

During his working life, Robert had been employed by McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation, St. Louis, for thirty-three years, prior to his retirement on September 28, 1990. He was a sixty plus years member of the IAM 837 of the Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Robert and his family moved from Florissant to Freeburg in 1992, where he was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. Robert enjoyed unique guns, riding motorcycles, watching "Westerns", and traveling.

Those left to mourn the passing of Robert include: Three daughters, Theresia Elam of St. Louis, Susan Lee (Elam) Rivera and husband, Orlando, of Wentzville, and Mary Patricia Elam of Greenville; one grandson, Victor Rivera; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his first and second wife, Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dorothy Elam.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, graveside services and interment for Mr. Robert Lee Elam will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 25, 2020, in the Holy Family Cemetery in Freeburg, with the Rev. William D. Debo officiating, using the CDC guidelines for public gatherings in place at this time, by Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Robert Lee Elam are suggested by his family to the Holy Family School in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri 65582.