Claude "Blackie" Elam

Claude "Blackie" Wayne Elam died September 7, 2017 in Purcell, Oklahoma at the age of 83 years 4 months 19 days. Funeral Services are scheduled for 1:30 PM, Monday, September 11, 2017 at Wadley’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Lindsay, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

Claude was born April 19, 1934 to Walter Lee and Opal Virginia (Wallace) Elam in Bradley, Oklahoma. He was raised and attended school in the Dibble, Lindsay area. On August 5, 1955 he was inducted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country, and was honorably discharged on August 4, 1958. Claude worked many years as an oil field worker, holding many different positions including management. His passion was being a musician. On June 2, 1985 he married Elza Marie Nixon-Boehning in Purcell. They made Purcell home and were members of Union Hill Baptist Church.

Claude is preceded in death by his parents; Walter and Opal Elam; and his 7 siblings. Survivors include his wife, Elza Elam of the home; Daughters, Pamela Kay Elam of Mesa, AZ, Julie Lynn Thomas of Tulsa, OK, Connie McWhirter of Dibble, OK, Regina Nixon-Pittenridge and husband, Bill of Asher, OK, Barbara Ann Miller and husband, Timothy of Houma, LA; sons, John Elam and wife, Donna of Woodward, OK, Steven Elam of Los Angeles, CA, Talmedge Elam and wife, Sue Grace of Tulsa, OK, Jimmy Nixon and wife, Ruthann Haskins, Terry Nixon of Dibble, OK , Glen Nixon and wife, Penny Gregory of Purcell, OK; 24 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.