John M. Elam, 65, of Mentone, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, July 9 at home with his family and friends at his side.

Elam was born the son of Charles and Beatrice (Minix) Elam on Nov. 13, 1953, in Knox. He has been a long time resident of the area, working for Koontz and King Excavating of Bourbon, a town employee of Bourbon and operated Elam Tree Service. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, his motorcycles and especially spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughters: Chassity (Dr. Todd) Dillon and Crystal (Isaac) Kleespie, both of Bourbon; six grandchildren: Chenee (Caleb0 Adams, Huntley (Kylee) Davis, Bahley Davis, Darienne Davis, Isaac Kleespie and Kennedy Kleespie. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Brayson, Rylee, Aubree, Jayse and Raelynn. He is also survived by sister Barb Foreman of Tippecanoe and his mother, Beatrice Hosteter of Plymouth. Preceding him in death was his father, brothers: Jerry and Michael and brother-in-law, Kenneth Foreman.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St. Bourbon. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Lloyd Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bourbon.