ELKHART — Elmer Gene Mayes, 83, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully, Monday, May 16, 2016 at his residence. He was born May 28, 1932 in Campbellsville, KY to Hugh Daniel Mayes and Georgia (Reddman) Mayes-Durrett.

Survivors of Elmer's lovingly blended family include his current wife, Rev. Jean Mayes of Elkhart; children of his late former spouse Delores Ann Mayes: Sheila Mills of Indianapolis, Sidney Mayes of Elkhart and Stuart (Loria) Mayes; step-children: Stephanie (Stanley) DeKemper of Indianapolis and Vicki (Samuel) Jerideau of Memphis, TN, George L. (Affie) Byers, Adrian (Joetta) Byers and John (Ruth) Byers, all of Elkhart and Bobby J. Byers of Greensboro, NC; 1 brother, Abel Turner (Gizelle) Mayes of Indianapolis; 25 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 brother, James Durrett.

He proudly served in the US Air Force from January 1952 until December 1955.

Elmer was employed at Conn-Selmer – Vincent Bach Division for 39 years prior to his retirement.

He was a member and trustee of St. James AME Church, the Urban League, the Indiana Black Expo and a life member of the NAACP.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the 1:00 PM celebration of life service on, Monday, May 23rd at St. James AME Church, 122 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Elkhart. Pastor Charlie B. Cross and Rev. William Gary will officiate.

The Mayes family would like to thank Dr. Alan Bierlein, Marie, Gary and the entire staff at Harbor Light Hospice for the care and support that Elmer received.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice in memory of Elmer.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin Street, Elkhart, is entrusted with arrangements.