Elmer Russell Handley

Elmer Russell Handley, 93, of Buchanan, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2017, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, September 15, 2017, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, MI. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 P.M. on Thursday, September 14, 2017, also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Oronoko United Methodist Church or the Buchanan American Legion. Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Elmer was born on August 30, 1924, to Russell and Opal (Strahle) Handley in South Bend, IN. His younger years were spent on and around the campus of Notre Dame, IN, where his father worked and maintained the Golden Dome. He graduated from Buchanan High School, class of 1943, and then enlisted in the United States Navy. Elmer served in the Navy from 1943-1946, where he was a Golden Glove boxer and stationed on the USS Kwajalein during WWII. On December 14, 1946, he married the love of his life, Aileen Wallquist in Buchanan, MI. They recently celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage this past December. They were dedicated lifetime members of Oronoko United Methodist Church which Elmer helped to build. He was a trustee at the church, along with being involved in several other committees. He retired from Clark Equipment in 1982, after 30 years, as a well-respected Master Welder. Elmer was also a lifetime member of the Buchanan American Legion, Moose Lodge, and the Masonic Lodge. Elmer had many hobbies and interests and was a championship bowler for many years. He enjoyed watching all generations of his family participate in many school events. He was an avid Notre Dame fan, hunter, and fisherman; and he was very proud to have four generations of hunters in his family. Elmer is survived by his wife of 70 years, Aileen; son, Terry (Barbara) Handley, daughter-in-law, Gerri Handley; grandchildren, Terry “Paul” Handley, Barbara (Matt) Koets, Angela Handley, Suzanne Handley, Jessica (Jake) Handley, Todd (Stacy) Handley, and Melissa Adnson; great-grandchildren, Barbie Koets, Grace Koets, Luke Koets, Dylan Doty, Nathan Handley, Jeremy Handley, Abigail Handley, Emily Handley, Grace Adnson, Liliana Adnson, Olivia Adnson, and Isabelle Adnson; sisters, Ruth (Marvin) Yocum, Patricia (Richard) Taylor, Linda Colson, and Ella (Charles) Smorse; brother, Robert (Carol) Handley and special nephew, Donald Wallquist, Jr. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Opal; son, David (Gerri) Handley and sisters, Helen Alexander, Betty Walkden, and Doris Worthy.