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Technical Sergeant Justin William Elledge was killed in a tragic motor cycle accident on July 25th, 2018 in Victorville Ca. while stationed at Edwards Air Force Base there. He had made it home safe from 5 deployments and lost his life a couple blocks from his home, taking his son, Jr. on a little ride in the neighborhood.
He was born on Feb. 6th 1985 at the City of Faith Hospital in Tulsa OK. to parents, Timothy Ray and Kimberly Scott Elledge.
Justin graduated from Fremont High School in Plain City, Utah with the class of 2003. He enlisted in the Air Force while a senior in high school so he could get into the field of Metal Technology. He reported for duty a couple of weeks after graduating and had completed 15 years of service to his country.
He was assigned to the Air Force Research Laboratory's Rocket Lab on Edwards Air Force Base. He served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the fabrication shop and had been at Edwards for almost two years. Per his Commander, Jonathan F. McCall, Lt Col, USAF, "Justin was one of the finest airmen in AFRL Detachment 7. He was selected as the 2017 Air Force Research Lab, Aerospace Systems Directorate NCO of the Year, making him the top NCO out of 9 strong performers. He was a natural leader in his fabrication shop, a helpful hand to all on site, and my number one NCO destined for amazing things! Justin treated everyone he knew with the utmost respect and handled every situation thrown at him with unmatched professionalism. On top of all of this he was a husband, a dedicated father, a friend of many, and a truly great man."
Justin was very active in the community, particularly with the Veterans Habitat for Humanity program where he volunteered 128 hours and helped provide homes for 30 veterans. His passion to serve showed on site as well. He led Detachment 7 highway cleanup efforts, quality of life projects through the AFRL Booster Club, and offered a helping hand at as many events as he could all while making quick progress towards his degree in Project Management.
From an early age Justin liked to build things and even as a small boy, his wish list for birthdays and Christmas always included some type of tool or building kit. In 1996 he made a wooden cross for his Great Grandfathers grave and in 1999 he made one for his Great Grandmothers, and they are still used every year on Memorial Day. He knew from a very early age what he wanted to do with his life and he made it happen.
While stationed in Misawa, Japan he met and married Vickie Gettler in 2005. They have a daughter Kylie Ann, born Aug, 2, 2006 in Misawa, Japan. While stationed in Insirlik,Turkey their son, Justin William Jr. was born April 13, 2008 in Ankara, Turkey.
In May 2015 he married Desaree Payne in Abilene Tx and became a father to her son Christian, whom he loved very much.
Justin is survived by his wife Desaree of the home, his 12 year old daughter Kylie Ann Elledge, his 10 year old son Justin W. Elledge, Jr of Adair Iowa and 11 year old son Christian of the home. He and Desaree are expecting a baby daughter in November. He is also survived by his parents, Kimberly Scott Goens and stepfather Clint of Texas, his father Timothy R, Elledge and stepmother Carol of Tulsa, brothers Jeremy P Elledge of Norman and Jonathon Parker of Texas. Special step brothers Brett Parker and Brandon Parker of Texas.
Paternal Grandparents Paul Elledge & Linda & Jim Lilburn, His special Aunt & Uncle Terrie & Butch Standeford & Cousin Levi Standeford, who he spent countless hours with during his younger years, and Levis family Treasure, Jadyn, Jyntri & Michelle. Special family friends Christie and Bobby VanAken of Texas and many extended family members.
He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Robert W. Scott; paternal great grandparents W.R. Barnes (Other Papaw), Ossie Barnes Street ( Nanaw) and Pete & Luella Elledge .
Justin spent his young life traveling around the country and to Germany with his mother and step father Christopher Parker, who was in the Air Force. Due to this, he spent all his summers and holidays here in Nowata with his family here and considered this to be his hometown. He attended Hillside Christian Church here in Nowata. He played little league baseball here in the summers and participated in all of the Nowata activities. He had lots of ribbons and write-ups for the many turtle races and frog jump contests here. From the time he was a little boy he was a Dallas Cowboy fan and wore his little uniform proudly. He loved OU and while stationed in Texas had lots of interesting conversations about all of his OU clothes he wore everywhere. He treasured those memories and was always so happy to get to come back here to visit.
His future plan was to finish his 20 years in the service and come back to Oklahoma and open "Elledge & Sons Welding and Fabrication Shop." He already had his business cards printed showing "20" years of experience. All he had to do was add the address to them and he was set to go.
Everyone is invited to a "Memorial Celebration" of Justin's life on Saturday August 25th at 1:00 in the afternoon at the First Christian Church, 211 S. Pine, Nowata, OK.
Published in Examiner-Enterprise from Aug. 21 to Sept. 20, 2018
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