Elmer Atley III

Elmer Ellsworth Atley III (Butch), 76, of Lorain, Ohio passed away peacefully on the morning of March 6, 2025 after a long illness in the presence of his daughters. 

Elmer was born to Elmer E. Atley II and Ethelyn A. (Taborn) Atley in Lorain, Ohio on February 8, 1949. Growing up he attended Greater St. Matthews A.M.E. Church. He graduated from Admiral King High School in 1967. After graduating, Butch enlisted in the United States Army in 1969 where he served in the Vietnam War as a Medical Specialist until his honorable discharge in 1971.

Elmer was employed as an Account Specialist with Terex Construction Company, a division of General Motors in Hudson, OH for nearly 15 years and a Machinist at Beckett Gas, Inc. in North Ridgeville, OH for several years until retiring in 2015. In 1984 he completed the J.T.P.A Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Program at Lorain County Community College, and the Computer Numerical Control Programming, Set-Up and Operation certification at the Elyria Machining Institute in 1992. 

Butch was a music connoisseur and pool aficionado. He held a deep appreciation of the open water, was a true lover of photography, good food and good times. Above all, Butch firmly believed in strong family connections. 

Elmer is survived by his daughters: Myesha R. Atley of Columbus, Ohio, Octavia M. Atley of Elyria, Ohio, and Olivia N. Atley of Columbus, Ohio, grandchildren: DeAnte J. Hooks, Darnell J. Hooks, Josiah W. Atley, Darrius J. Atley, Octavia M. Atley II, and Jabir D. Jackson, brother: Lamont Blakely, six great grandchildren, many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents: Ethelyn A. and Elmer E. Atley II, uncle: Roland W. Atley, and siblings: Preston A. Blakely, Michael N. Atley, Andrew B. Blakely Sr.

Services will be held at Carter Funeral Home, Inc., 3001 Elyria Ave., Lorain OH 44055 on Monday, March 17, 2025. The wake at 10:30AM and the celebration of life beginning at 11:00AM.

Interment immediately following services at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio 44273.

Repast following the final committal at Marcell Hall, 117 Oberlin Rd, Elyria OH 44035. 

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to 

Carter Funeral Homes Inc.

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