Elmer Leon Lamb Jr.

January 9, 1958 – March 25, 2026

Elmer (“Leon,” as his family knew him) was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico, to Rose Alice Cleaver and Elmer Leon Lamb Sr. He grew up largely in Denver, Colorado, where he gained a stepfather, George Dick, a machinist. He was the middle son and had two sisters.

Elmer served in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1977, stationed in Germany during training exercises that included tank driving and explosives. Later, he traveled widely for work—painting in his older brother’s construction business in California, taking jobs with his younger brother in Texas and other states (including farm threshing, security, and dog grooming), and working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana.

Back in Colorado, Elmer met his first wife, Kamela. They had a son and later separated. He moved to Alton, Iowa, where his older sister lived, and became a friend of Bill W. through Alcoholics Anonymous. He also enjoyed building birdbaths for Stills Ornaments in Sheldon.

Elmer met Helen in 1995, and they later moved to Sioux City, marrying in 1998.  He attended WITCC there, completing both the Welding and the Telecommunications programs, and got his FCC and marine radio licenses.  He worked for LeBlanc Communications, and then upon graduation, landed a many years long position in electronics at Ames Engineering, and he and Helen moved to central Iowa in 2000, where they remained since.

Elmer later worked at Iowa Thin Film/Solar Panels and installed TV cable. He returned to school at DMACC and completed the Biomedical Electronics Technology program he had long wanted to pursue. Many remember his friendly service at Casey’s. His last job was caring for and helping train horses. Whatever the role, Elmer took pride in his work and was known for his steady smile and spring in his step.

After receiving VA disability in 2025, Elmer became a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed TV and movies, public radio, hiking and nature, cooking and good food, traveling with Helen, and time with friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. He and Helen started many mornings with daily meditation, and he was known for his chili and stuffed peppers. Curious and good-humored, he had a greeting, a helping hand, and a wise crack for everyone.

After a devastating brief illness, Elmer Leon, 68, went to be with his God.  He was predeceased by his mother, father, stepfather, older brother Dewain Alan, and younger brother David. 

Elmer leaves his wife, Helen, of Jewell, IA, sisters Betty and Mary of Wolfe, Texas, sister-in-law Mandy of Oklahoma City, son Andrew of Indiana, nephews Dewain of Oregon, Thomas of Texas, Daniel of Colorado, Alan of Atlantic, niece Misty of Orange City, two grandchildren, cousins and many friends of Bill W. since 1995.

Elmer Leon was a good man, with wise, caring guidance for anyone who confided in him.  He will be greatly missed by many.