Elmer C. Killen

 
     Elmer C. "Curt" Killen, 90, of Lorain passed away on Monday, March 4, 2019, at Mercy Health - New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph following a brief illness. Mr. Killen was born in Larchwood, Montana, on February 1, 1929, the son of the late Andrew Swindall Killen and Eileen B. (nee Clary) Killen Roe Winn. 
      Curt was a 1947 graduate of the Twin Bridges High School in Montana.  After graduating he worked some jobs before deciding to serve in the U.S. Air Force.  He became a Staff Sergeant in the Korean War, receiving the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. 
         He later received his undergraduate degree from Fairmont State College in WV in 1957 and his master’s degree from Kent State University in 1972. 
      Mr. Killen began his career as a teacher at the Lorain Board of Education for 6 years and taught at Columbia Station for 2 years. He then worked for North Olmsted Board of Education until he retired in June of 1988. 
    Curt was a lifetime member of Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church.  He had served as an Usher and worked the food pantry and clothing drives until unable to serve.  He also was a member of Amvets Post 47, Moose Club, American Legion, Polish Club, VFW Post 451, Knights of Columbus, Northeast Ohio Basketball Referee Association and Northern Ohio Volleyball Officials Association.
     Curt enjoyed word searches, puzzles, reading, camping and traveling to all 50 states.
     Curt is survived by daughters Kathryn J. (Roger) Kavanah of Taylorsville, KY; Robin D. Killen-Bennett of Lorain, Rhonda M.(Lance) Rodencal of Cataula, GA; Tammy L.(Joseph) Hustedde of Bellevue, NE; sons Richard C. (Patti) Killen of Lorain, Thomas E. (Susie) Killen of Lorain, Ohio; 13 Grandchildren (Jenny Ketcham, Jeff Killen, C.J. Rodencal, Analani Hurley, Mikaela Rodencal, Jacob Hustedde, Chance Hustedde, Riley Hustedde, Zach Bennett, Roger Kavanah II, Mary White, Sarah Baker, JoAnna Kavanah) and 14 Great Grandchildren (Aiden & Alaina Ketcham, Aiden, Logan, Ethan, & Keegan Killen, Lillian Hurley, Ryan Kavanah, Hailey & Brayton McDonald, Carlee & Bentlee Baker, Kai-El & Kayden Seymore). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dora M. (nee Hess) Killen and his brothers Clarence, Fred, Don and Orville. 
     Friends may call on Friday, March 8, 2019, from 3-7 p.m. in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain.  
     Funeral services will be Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Adam Davis, pastor of the Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial with full military honors will follow in the Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon.
     The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Hospice Foundation, mailed to Mercy Health-New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio.
    
 

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