Elmer Dwight Vance Conley

Elmer Dwight Vance Conley
December 4, 1951 – October 11, 2015

SOUTH BEND – Elmer Dwight Vance Conley, 63, residing in South Bend, Indiana passed away at 3:38 PM Sunday, October 11, 2015 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.

Elmer was born on December 4, 1951 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to the late David F. Conley and Edith Rose (Camara) Conley and has lived in the South Bend area since 1963.

Elmer proudly served our country in the United States Navy and the United States Naval Reserves during the Vietnam War Conflict.  Being honorably discharged after serving two tours of duty, he was recognized with the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Citation.  Elmer served aboard the USS Independence and was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, VA.

Following his years in the Navy, Elmer worked as a welder, and also worked for many years in the warehouse at Ridge Auto Parts.  Being very artistic, Elmer enjoyed creating model ships and airplanes.

Elmer is survived by his “step-mom” Cleo J. (Kindley) Conley; sister, Rose (Richard) West of South Bend; brothers, David (Ruth) Conley of Denver, CO, Randy (Doris) Conley of South Bend, Ted Conley of South Bend; and sister-in-law, Donna Conley of South Bend.  Elmer was preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Dean Younkin; and brothers, Floyd Conley and Raymond Conley.

Funeral services with Military Honors will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615, where friends may visit with the family one hour prior to services.  Rev. Mark Broch, pastor of Albright United Methodist Church, Mishawaka will officiate.  Burial will take place at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Palmer Funeral Home to assist with final expenses.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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