Born December 12, 1923 in Micco, FL, he was the son of Roy and Sadie Herndon.
Elven was a veteran of World War II in the European Theater. A combat Engineer in the Fifth Division, Seventh Engineers, Elven participated in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardennes. After the war, he returned to Fellsmere, and after a time, began working at Fellsmere Sugar Growers in 1948. Elven was promoted to Shop Superintendent and worked at the farm through several under several owners including Gulf + Western and Fellsmere Farms until his retirement in 1982. In addition, Elven and his wife owned rental property in Fellsmere for many years.
In retirement, Elven enjoyed growing a large vegetable garden at his vacation home and property in Georgia. He enjoyed traveling, designing and making things in his workshop, but most of all Elven enjoyed the time spent with his family.
Adored by his family, Elven was a devoted, loving husband and friend to his wife, a wonderful father to his children, a beloved Papa to his grandsons. He was a talented man, full of wisdom and a great sense of humor. A master storyteller with a memory that amazed everyone he knew, Elven often regaled his family with tales of the people and events of the Florida he knew. His fondest memories were of his adventures as a young boy growing up along the Indian River in Micco, fishing, crabbing and getting oysters.
Elven was a member and a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Fellsmere. He enjoyed going to meetings at the VFW in Melbourne, FL and was a member of The Society of the Fifth Division, The Battle of the Bulge Association, and The American Society of the French Legion of Honor.
On October 22, 2018 Elven was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal and given the designation of Chevalier, or Knight, by the government of France for his participation in the liberation of their country during World War II.
He is survived by his wife, Elsie Gillum Herndon; son Len Herndon (Donna); daughters Avis Herndon, and Christy Clawson MacWilliam (E.S.); grandsons Bobby Arnold (Daneen), Wade Herndon (Karen), Hunter Clawson (Amanda), and Cody Clawson (Summer); great grandchildren Kagan Herndon, Caleb Herndon; sister Dolly Smith (Ellis) and numerous special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert Herndon, and sisters, Pauline Blair, Sybil Bowers, and Daisy Box.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation-1110 35th Lane-Vero Beach, FL 32960.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at Fountainhead Funeral Home in Palm Bay, FL. Visitation will be at 12:00, the service will begin at 1:00 with the Committal service immediately following. Military services will be provided by the US Army.
