Elmer was born November 3,1930, in Arenzville, Illinois, son of Forest and Jessie (Cox) Van Doren. He married Rheta Grubb May 26, 1951, at the LeClaire Presbyterian Church. They have celebrated 69 years of marriage.
Those left to honor Elmer's memory include his wife Rheta, Collierville, TN., children, David Van Doren and wife Vicki, Collierville, and Gini Allen and husband Terry of Davenport: grandchildren, Lyndi Thompson and Schuyler Van Doren and five great-children.
Elmer worked at Alcoa 30 years before retiring January 1, 1980. He made his home and raised his children in LeClaire. After retirement he moved to Garfield, Arkansas on beautiful Beaver Lake. In March 2017 he moved to Collierville and resided there until his passing.
He was a member of Snow Masonic Lodge #44 AF & AM. He loved everything about the water including boating, skiing, surfing and fishing.