Robert “Elmo” James Elmore

Elmo, beloved husband, father, Papa, and brother passed away peacefully surrounded by his eternal sweetheart, his children, and many of his grandchildren. He was 82 years old.

Robert “Elmo” James Elmore was born in Baltimore, MD, on October 29, 1943. Elmo spent his early years there with his mother, Christine Maxine Wheelbarger, father, James Bronson Elmore, and sister, Sue Fowler. During those years, he developed an outgoing and loving personality. He frequently visited relatives in Virginia, giving him a commitment to family that would remain a defining part of his character throughout his life.

Elmo had an affinity for music at a young age, which carried throughout his life. He fondly remembered his school years and impressively recalled each one of his teachers’ names up until the end of his life. He was known for his talkative nature and friendly demeanor. He is remembered for jokingly saying, “I liked the seventh grade so much, I stayed there twice.” He was always saying things to make people smile and laugh and will be missed for his many jokes.

Elmo was a natural musician and attributed much of his talent to his band experience at Parkville High School. Just before graduation, the principal announced Elmo’s acceptance into the Air Force Band as a clarinet player, which was met with a standing ovation, a moment Elmo was proud to recall throughout his life. His acceptance into the Air Force Band would be a turning point in his life, as it led him to the Philippines, where he met the love of his life, Angelina.

Elmo purchased a Filipino barong shirt with a matching dress for him and Angelina to wear on their first date. This led to a beautiful courtship and an adorable proposal in his 1960 Corvette. Their wedding was held on October 25, 1969, in Angeles City, Philippines. They spent two years in the Philippines until they moved to Cocoa Beach, FL, where they started a business on the beach selling Angelina’s oil paintings and wood carvings purchased from the Philippines. Soon after, Elmo worked at the Deseret Cattle and Citrus Ranch in St. Cloud, FL. While working at the ranch, as a newly baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elmo’s testimony of the restored gospel grew as he read the Book of Mormon. In 1973, Elmo and Angelina drove across the country to be sealed in the House of the Lord. While their original plan was to be sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple, they were surprised to find upon their arrival that it was closed, so they quickly drove south to the Manti Temple to be sealed for time and all eternity. Their continued attendance at the temple throughout their marriage has left a lasting legacy for their posterity.

Elmo reenlisted in the military and played the tenor saxophone in the Navy Band. Elmo was stationed in Great Lakes, IL, where he and Angelina welcomed their first child, Simon. The family was then stationed in Seattle, WA, where their first daughter, Asialene, was born. Another military move brought them to Orlando, FL, where they welcomed their second daughter, Emerald. A few years later, Elmo retired from the military, having served twenty years. Elmo loved serving his country through his talent for music. He remembered fondly playing for many dignitaries, including Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and several astronauts for space launches at Kennedy Space Center.

The family settled in Seattle, WA, where their last child, Shalynna, was born. At this time, Elmo focused on his career as an auctioneer. The flexibility of this profession gave him the privilege of having extra time at home while the children grew up. “Elmo the Auctioneer” had experience with many auto, antique, and benefit auctions through his auction business, A-1 Auction Service, taking him all over the West Coast where he amassed over one million flyer miles with Alaska Airlines. His work travels also gave him the opportunity to be a temple worker at both the Los Angeles and San Diego temples. Even into his 80s, Elmo never fully retired from auctioneering. Every year he looked forward to being the auctioneer at the annual Anacortes Youth Sports Coalition Benefit Auction, a commitment he valued for over 30 years.

In the midst of his auction career and with two children still at home, the Elmores moved to Mesa, AZ. Elmo was known for driving his Shelby Cobra around Mesa to various car shows. Elmo and Angelina became grandparents and spent much of their time traveling to see their precious grandchildren. This eventually led them to settle in Utah, where they created their forever home, filling it with visits from their fifteen grandchildren. Elmo lived his life to the fullest, right up until the very end, traveling with his family, riding roller coasters, driving classic cars, auctioneering, playing Monopoly, worshipping in the temple, and talking about his children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen. Elmo never met a stranger. He was a friend to all. 

While Elmo accomplished many things throughout his life, he considered his family his greatest work. His children and grandchildren remember the many ways he served them so generously, always ready to drop everything for his family. They attribute the successes they’ve enjoyed in life to the unconditional love and eager support he offered them throughout his life. Elmo’s grandchildren have many happy memories of spending one-on-one time with Papa and will miss the special relationship he had with each grandchild.

Elmo’s legacy is one of happiness, love freely given, service, and a family strengthened by his steady support. His generous heart, friendly nature, and larger-than-life personality will live on in the many lives he touched.

Elmo is survived by his devoted wife, Angelina, and four children: Simon (Amy) of Denver, PA; Asialene (Davis) of New Haven, CT; Em of Sandy, UT; and Shalynna (David) of Pebble Beach, CA, and fifteen cherished grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 21, at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1265 East 11000 South Sandy, UT 84094, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 AM. Burial will follow the service at 1:00 p.m. at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 1700 W, Bluffdale, UT 84065.