Elmer Lee Bragg, 81, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday (March 25, 2015) at St. Mary's Hospital Audrain in Mexico, Missouri.

The son of Pearl August and Lula Mae (Hall) Bragg, he was born September 25, 1933 in Novinger, Missouri. On July 31, 1962 in Kirksville, Missouri, Elmer was united in marriage to Leola Kay Zaerr.

Elmer is survived by his wife Leola of fifty-two years; one son, Emanuel Bragg and fiancee Elena Lamar of Davenport, FL; one daughter, Elaine Bragg of Kirksville, MO; one sister, Wanda Long of Macon, MO; sister-in-law, Karen Claussen and husband Larry of Shelbyville, MO; five grandchildren, Kayla and Krista Bragg of Frostproof, FL, Andrew Wachter and wife Katlyn of Kirksville, MO, and Karisaa and Dylan Williams of Ewing, MO; one great-grandchild, Jayleigh Wachter, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Patricia Kay and one brother-in-law, Frank Long.

Elmer served his country in the United States Navy receiving medals for Korean Service, Occupation Service, Korea, National Defense, Good Conduct, a European pin and two bronze stars.. He served four years during the Korean Conflict and a tour of duty in Europe where he trained midshipmen on the Battleship Iowa BB-61. For a number of years, Elmer was a very active member of D.A.V. Chapter 48 of Kirksville, where he was past Service Vice Commander, Chaplain and involved in many military funerals.

Elmer loved motorcycles and built many things including a home, boat and playground for his grandchildren. He also loved to entertain and will be remembered for his great family barbecues.

He was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church of Kirksville, where he was a past usher and deacon.

Graveside services with military honors will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday (March 28, 2015) at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.

Family will receive friends on Saturday (March 28, 2015) for one hour before the graveside service in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be, Emanuel Bragg, Dominic DiFatta and members of D.V.A. and V.F.W.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Leola Bragg for help with expenses. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.