He was born in Ukiah, CA, to John Casper Rose and Ellen Louise Huffaker. As a boy, Elmer was a proud member of his local 4H club. He was also in the Army as an AP sheet metal worker where he earned a bronze and silver star. Elmer moved to Monticello, FL where he lived for over 40 years.
Elmer is preceded in death by his wife and his parents. He is survived by his sons: James A. Rose of DeWitt, VA; Thomas A. Rose of Tallahassee, FL; Woodrow W. Rose of Wakulla, FL; daughters: Estella R. Newton of Drakes Branch, VA; Ramona A. Rose of Monticello, FL; Christina R. Bozeman of Linden, TN; 10 grandchildren: Christina A. Meadows of Prospect, VA; George W. Newton of Green Bay, VA; Kenneth W. Newton of Drakes Branch, VA; Ashley Cobb of Disputanta, VA; Amanda Rose of DeWitt, VA; great grandchildren: Mitchell G. Newton of Prospect, VA; Corie L. Meadows of Prospect, VA; Chantell S. Davis of Prospect, VA; Sarah A. Newton of Green Bay, VA; Axel Cobb of Disputanta, VA; and great great grandchildren: Amberleigh A. Davis of Prospect, VA and Lyla F. Davis of Prospect, VA.