Roll Call Tribute

Claud P. "Buz" Elsom, III 

October 1, 1952 - December 24, 2023 

Claud Porter Elsom, III, 71 went to be with our Lord on December 24, 2023 from the comfort of his home.

Funeral is 11:00 AM Saturday, December 30, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Decatur with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family will greet friends 1 hour prior to service at the church.

Dr. David Lowrie will officiate. Pallbearers include Randy Williams, Ronnie Gage, Brian Gage, Randy Sherman, Brett Shannon, Ricky Christian, Brent Gage, and Wyatt Nicks.

Buz was born to Claud and Alma Elsom in Decatur, Texas on October 1, 1952. He and his sister Linda were raised in Decatur and attended Decatur High School. He went on to attend Texas A&M University, where he joined the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (Squadron 10) and completed a degree in Engineering.

After college Buz moved to Denton, Texas and started a career with the Texas Department of Transportation. During his 34 years with TxDOT he worked his way up to Area Engineer over Denton County and was presented with the Luther DeBerry award for "Outstanding Contributions to Transportation in the State of Texas" in 1998. His integrity and calm confidence were traits that were instrumental in his successful career.

It was in Denton that he met Jan Greer, his wife of 40 years, and "True Love". In March 1983 they married, and in November 1990 their son Claud Thomas, "Tom", was born.

Buz balanced his career with a very involved home life that included coaching sports, chaperoning school trips, and assisting with church youth activities. What he valued most was time spent with family and friends. He especially enjoyed playing golf, days at the farm, backyard parties, and trips to the Colorado mountains.

He was very loyal and his friends knew he always had their back. Our world will not be the same without this truly humble, brilliant, patient, and kind man that had a clever sense of humor and a giant heart.

All memorial donations can go to First Baptist Church of Decatur, (940) 627-3235 office.