Elmer Thomas Biggerstaff Jr.

Elmer Thomas Biggerstaff Jr.

January 24, 1932 - January 06, 2019
Irvine CA

Elmer Thomas Biggerstaff Jr.

January 24, 1932 - January 06, 2019
Irvine CA

Obituary

Elmer Thomas Biggerstaff Jr. was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. At the age of 86, Elmer met his loving wife, Marian of 60 years, in heaven on January 6, 2019.

Elmer was born on January 24, 1932 to Anna Mae and Thomas Elmer Biggerstaff Sr. in Newton, North Carolina. On December 28, 1950, Elmer joined the navy and served in the Korean War. He earned many accolades including: China Service Ribbon, Navy Occupation Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Medal. Elmer retired from the navy as Gunners Mate 3rdclass on the USS Pine Island and was honorably discharged September 30, 1954. During this time, while on leave in San Diego, California the love of his life and best friend, Marian, flew from North Carolina to meet him and they were married on December 12, 1953 in Yuma, Arizona.

After his service he attended Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina and received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.After graduating, Elmer started working for Drexel Furniture Company as a manufacturer sales Rep in 1960. He led a long and prosperous career and retired in 1996 after 36 years. Upon retirement, he joined the Newport-Mesa Rotary Club and became President in 2002, as well as enjoying more time to spend with his children and grandchildren.

Elmer was preceded in death by his father Thomas Elmer Sr., his mother Anna Mae, and his beloved wife, Marian Virginia.

Elmer is survived by his sister, Jacqueline Steelman of North Carolina; his two children, Thomas Elmer Biggerstaff III, of North Carolina and Robin Biggerstaff Martinez, her husband Tony Martinez; his grandchildren, Jennifer Biggerstaff Ruder, Tara Biggerstaff Colby, Rachael Martinez Ostrea, Anthony Martinez,  Alec Martinez; and great-grandchild, Piper Virginia Ruder, all from California.

Services will be held January 24, 2019 at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California, and will begin promptly at 12:00 PM, with a family and friends lunch gathering immediately after.

 

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: January 24, 2019 (12:00 PM)
  • Venue: Riverside National Cemetery
  • Location: 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (951) 653-8417

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10 responses to Elmer Thomas Biggerstaff Jr.

  1. Miss you terribly already… I know you are with mom now… rest in piece my dad you were a trooper in this long haul. Just if I could of had one more minute with you ,. God bless you

    Love you forever, like you for always as long as I’m living, my daddy you’ll be

  2. Memories: All night Ping Pong, Shuffleboard, 1953 MG restoration, parties and all the fun we enjoyed as neighbors and close friends. What great times we had. All things must pass, but the memories last forever. Fare thee well Elmer, fare thee well. Here for just awhile, gone many a mile, Fare thee Well Elmer, Fare Thee Well. God Bless and God Speed. Bill

  3. Bob Steelman says:

    Great brother in law great friend i will miss you.thank you for your service

  4. Love you Elmer will miss you we a great time growing up

  5. Tom and Robin,

    I have a special place in my heart for your dad. Years ago (when I was young and dating your Uncle Jeff) your father encouraged me to seek a design position with Drexel Heritage. His kindness led to a dream job for me. A job that boosted my career and opened the door to many future opportunities. I will never forget Elmer.

    You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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