Joel T. Elam

Joel T. Elam, 36, of Goshen, formerly of Connecticut, died at his home Monday, May 15, 2023.

He was born August 13, 1986 in Southbridge, Massachusetts to Russell and Robin (Knight) Elam.

They survive along with a sister, Leonna; two brothers, Jared and Justin (Rachel); nieces, a nephew and extended family.

Joel was an Eagle Scout and served in the U.S. Army for 11 years rising to the rank of Staff Sgt. He worked as an Army reserve recruiter for several years. He also served as an Aircraft Pneudralics Shop Chief from May 23, 2007 to September 11, 2016 for the 1109 ^th TASMG prior to moving to Indiana. During this time, he was deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan. He worked as a quality control manager prior to the Covid pandemic for Lippert Industries; after the pandemic he worked in a variety of departments at Lippert.

Joel was an empathetic straight forward person. He prided himself in thinking logically about diverse subjects. In Indiana he was involved in Habitat for Humanity builds. He was always thinking about others and what he could do to help.

Joel taught himself to play guitars, woodworking, and even went through a pickling cucumbers phase. He enjoyed music, hiking, shooting, and building his own firearms. Joel was also known for his incredible deviled eggs and playful rivalry with his brothers to see who would be crowned the “great grill cook”. He loved having his dogs around him in whatever he was doing.

Friends may gather Friday, May 19, 2023 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 S. Main St., Goshen from 5 p.m. until the 7:30 p.m. funeral service. Patrick Gill, lifelong family friend and mentor will officiate.

Cremation will follow the service.

Memorial gifts to honor Joel may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675; https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org .

An additional memorial service will take place in Ohio in August. The Yoder-Culp Funeral Home website will be updated when time and place are determined.