Elmer D. Storms

Elmer Dale Storms, age 99, died on November 16, 2017 in Chandler, Arizona. Dale was born in Kokomo, Indiana on July 31, 1918, the first-born son of Arthur and Bertha Storms. He was a graduate of Kokomo High School in 1935 at age 16, graduating 13th in his class. He began working in the mailroom for Continental Steel Corporation and retired in 1971 as the Assistant Secretary. In 1942, WWII interrupted his work at Continental when he enlisted and was commissioned an officer. As a B-25 attack-bomber pilot in the South Pacific, he completed 50 missions and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Combat Air Medals. He continued in the Air Force Reserves until 1965, retiring as a Major in the Air Force. In 1944, he met Arlene Ruth Johnson and they were married on September 16, 1945. They were devoted to each other until her passing on April 20, 2017 after 71 years of marriage. In 1972, Dale and Arlene moved to Joplin, MO where he became the Treasurer and Vice President of Ozark Christian College. Dale’s gift of leadership benefited not only the college but many Christian businesses and ministries in the Joplin area. He felt honored to serve in this way. Dale loved to golf, fly private airplanes and travel. He exhibited a deep passion for his family and his God and was deeply respected by everyone. In 2015 due to increasing health issues, Dale and Arlene moved to Chandler, AZ to be closer to family. Dale is survived by his three children; Pam Carter (Ron) of Henderson, NV, Tim (Becky) of Auburndale, FL and Roger (Nancy) of Chandler, AZ. Also surviving are grandchildren; Blake Carter (Heather) of Springfield, IL, Brett Detken (Patrick) of Henderson, NV, Brent Storms (Rhesa) of Ventura, CA, Andy Storms (Amy)of Joplin, MO, Lindsay Baker (Nick) of Springfield, MO and Ashley Arp (Gator) of Chandler, AZ. Dale was preceded in death by his wife Arlene Storms and two infant girls, Lisa and Patricia and two grandchildren, Caleb Storms, son of Tim (Becky) and Jeremy Storms, son of Roger (Nancy) Storms.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017, at 11:00 at Judson Road Christian Church, Kokomo, IN. He will be laid to rest at South Union Cemetery west of Kokomo, IN.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Ozark Christian College, 1111 N. Main St, Joplin, MO 64801.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13 NIV)