Robert Lloyd McElroy

Robert Lloyd McElroy was born October 3, 1930 on the family farm in Sheridan County, KS, north of Quinter. His parents were Lloyd Stoner and Ella Lorena (Graham) McElroy. He attended school in Quinter and graduated from Quinter High School in May, 1948. He attended Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA for one semester and returned to Quinter to farm. He joined the Quinter Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1940 and remained a member throughout his lifetime. He taught the adult mens class in Bible study in both Syracuse, NY and Wichita, KS. In 1981, he was elected elder of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Park City, KS. In September of 1950, Bob joined the United States Air Force and trained to be a tail gunner on B-29s during the Korean War. In 1958, he cross-trained to be a mid-air refueling specialist on KC-97s and later on KC-135s. He retired in 1980 as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest rank for which enlisted personnel are eligible. Honors he received in his career include: The Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Airmans Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, along with many other awards and commendations. On December 7, 1951 he married Mary Anne ONeill at the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Winchester, KS. They are the parents of two sons, Thomas Lloyd and Robert Joseph. Bob was a faithful and supportive husband, devoted father, adoring and dedicated grandfather, loyal American, patriotic veteran and a mentor to many. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Robert Cox. He is survived by his wife Mary Anne; sons Thomas Lloyd (Dianne) of Columbia, MD and Robert Joseph (Debra) of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Bria (Matthew) Barry, Lindsey McElroy, Sean (Shannon) McElroy, Jessica (Andrew) Curtis, Emily (Robert) Hetherington, Allison McElroy; great grandchildren Lenah McElroy (Sean) and one step-great grandchild Braylon Mink (Sean); sister Marjorie Cox of Topeka, KS and brother Lynn (Linda) McElroy of Georgetown, KY; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts designated “Robert L. McElroy Memorial” be made to: Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850 or online at www.fisherhouse.org; or to Heifer International, Attn: Donor Services, PO Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203 or online at www.heifer.org. “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people and prayed to God always.” Acts 10:2