John Elza

John Buchannan Elza, Jr., 95, of Temple, passed away Thursday, April 6, in Temple, Texas. He was born in Heidenheimer, Texas on February 2, 1922 to John Buchannan Elza, Sr. and Veni Moore Elza.

He lived in Heidenheimer until he was drafted into the 15th Air Force Division where he began his service as a Bomber Navigator during World War II. He later became an Aircraft Mechanic, first on the bomber jets and later on fighter jets. He retired from the Air Force in 1964 and lived in Washington State until moving back to Central Texas in 1971. John married his wife, Laverne, in 1976, and they were married for thirty-one years until her death in 2007.

John Elza was a good man; a good and gentle soul who was lighthearted and funny and loved by all. He loved gardening, children, and animals and he raised pygmy goats and miniature donkeys. He loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of Oenaville Baptist Church.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Laverne; and his son, John Wayne Elza.

He is survived by a daughter, Mary J. Rash; his son, Marvin D. Elza and wife Sue; nieces Judy Scarborough and Beveally Kohring; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Monday, April 10, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Little Flock Cemetery with Roy Carpenter officiating.

Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Monday, April 10, 2017
6 - 8 p.m.

Service

Graveside

Little Flock Cemetery
Bell County, TX
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Little Flock Cemetery
Bell County, TX  76501