Harry Vern Elledge

Harry Vern Elledge was born on October 26, 1934, in Douglas, Oklahoma, to Dorothy D Gipson, and Harry Kuteman Elledge. Harry was the eldest of his three siblings. His family moved to Rogue River, Oregon in 1946. After graduating from Rogue River High school, he honorably served in the National Guard, enlisting on May 6, 1957. During his tenure in the National Guard, he met Gail Lee Stitts. They were married on March 7th 1959. They have two sons and one daughter. After his honorable discharge from the National Guard, he entered an apprenticeship program, earning his certification as a professional plumber. He worked both for himself as “Harry the Plumber” and others during his career. He retired in 1996. After retirement he was the caretaker of Wilderness Trails for several years.

Harry was a man of many interests, with a particular fondness for many different sports including motorcycle riding. In his younger years, Harry was a member of the Rogue Valley Riders Motorcycle Club and loved to race motorcycles. He competed in several competitions and won many trophies including first place in the Motorcycle Turkey Run in 1955. But above all, he cherished the great outdoors. From a young age Harry participated in the Boy Scouts Of America, where he met Lu Wagner who was his scout master and helped cultivate a passion for the outdoors and scouting. Lu was a strong role model in Harry’s life and later during the 70’s, Harry became a Scout Master to his own children and to other young boys. Mr. Elledge was a great role model to many in his troop, always giving advice, teaching skills, and helping the youth learn how to lead.

On July 11th, 2025, Harry entered the arms of Jesus while surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Gail, as well as their three children Rodney Elledge (Pam), Gary Elledge (Tammy), and Tamara Heath (Jon), 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Larry, Betty, and Carol, and granddaughter Charlie Elledge.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., August 16, 2025 at Grace Bible Church.

Harry loved the Lord, his family, friends and community. He served, cared, and loved never expecting anything in return. He will be greatly missed by those on this side of Heaven.

Philippians 2:4-5, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Please share a memory of Harry in his Guestbook.