of Clarksville, AR
July 24, 1948 - March 29, 2023
On March 29, 2023, surrounded by his children and his devoted wife, Patricia Ann McElmurry, Steve went home to eternal life with God his Father.
Steve was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 24, 1948, to Thomas and Katherine McElmurry and is survived by his wife Patricia Ann Swann McElmurry, his seven children, fifteen grandchildren, and his three brothers and their families.
Steve deeply loved his family and whole-heartedly adored his beloved wife of 53 years. His love for his Pati Darlin is a lasting gift to his children, surpassed only by his great love for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Steve McElmurry was a humble man who lived to honor God and serve others, which he did in every aspect of his life. He was committed to excellence in the practice of medicine and even more so to the physical and spiritual care of each of his patients. Above all, his desire was for everyone to know the Savior Jesus Christ through whom God demonstrated his love for all the world:
''For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.'' John 3:16
Steve was wise, kind and generous to all, selfless, steadfast, and a man who lived his life in obedience to Christ. Our very good God blessed many through his dear son Steve, and we are eternally grateful for the life he lived. We love and miss you, Dad.
We extend our deepest appreciation to our loyal friends and community who have so faithfully cared for Steve and Pat McElmurry during Steve's final years.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service in Steve's honor on April 15 at 11:00 a.m. in the Munger-Wilson Memorial Chapel at the University of the Ozarks (415 N. College Avenue, Clarksville, AR 72830). Immediately following, a lunch reception will be held on campus at the nearby Seay Student Center. The procession to Minnow Creek Cemetery (9641 AR-123, Lamar, AR 72846) will depart campus at 2:30 p.m. for a 3:00 p.m. burial service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Gideons International, Samaritan's Purse or Serge Christian Missionary Programs.
Personal correspondence can be sent to:
Steve and Patricia McElmurry
P.O. Box 1736
Clarksville, Arkansas 72830
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22 Condolence(s)
Lara Bonham
Sunday, May 21, 2023
So sorry to hear of his passing & I know you will be lonely till you are with him again. I believe it will be a reunion in the very near future for all of us. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! My sympathies are with you & yours, Pat.
Lara Bonham
Faith Franks
Saturday, April 15, 2023
I’m so sorry to learn of this sad news. I knew Dr. McElmurry as a patient, having been referred to his care by my parents who were also patients. They spoke of him as one of the kindest, most sincerely good people they’d ever met. They were correct. He was. His quick intelligence and intuitive manner were so reassuring. Other condolences herein describe a man whose education, personal life, and interests were as rich as his professional life as esteemed physician and surgeon—a life inexplicably, inexcusably, taken too soon. He spoke so fondly of his home on Minnow Creek, and I will always think of him in that setting. The world is less intelligent and kind without him ðŸ’
Karen Andrews
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Pat, Bruce and I are so sorry to hear about Steve. Our prayers are that you find some peace in the great love you two shared and your beautiful family.
Bruce and Karen Andrews
Tracy East
Thursday, April 13, 2023
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. McElmurry. I had the great honor to have worked with him at Johnson County Surgery Clinic. My prayers go out to Pat and the rest of the family.
Brent D Mayes
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Dr. McElmurry was an incredible Christian man who served the Lord tremendously. One memory I have is of going over to his house and him taking the time to have individual bible studies with me. I was amazed that this busy surgeon with seven children and all of the time commitments and responsibilities that come with that work life and home life, would still make time on a Tuesday at 6:30PM just to help me in my walk. Even more impressive is that I know my experience is not unique. There must be hundreds of people with similar stories and experiences. It was truly an honor to know, love and respect Dr. McElmurry.
Shannon Case, M.D.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Steve. He was so kind to me in my early years in practice and I so respected him as a colleague and friend. He will be missed on so many levels. My love to the family.
Pamela Palmer
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. McElmurry’s passing. He was loved by so many and will be missed. My mother Geneva Palmer loved working with him. I am praying for the family and friends
Bryan Brown
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Pat and family,
Thank you for letting me spend time with Steve a few weeks ago, it meant a lot to pray with him again. He was always such an inspiration to me, both professionally and spiritually. I will never forget the friendship forged in Rotary and later in Healthcare, when I moved my career to Mercy Hospital. I will also not forget our times riding bikes and when he came over to learn to operate my backhoe. A surgeon who dug up stumps for me, that was fun to watch. You have a special family and he was a very special husband, father and friend, gone to soon. God Bless!
Bryan Brown
Steven Swann
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Dearest Pati-
None of us can imagine the joys you´ve known, nor the pain that you are now meeting.
We love you and it is impossible to think of Steve without thinking of your devotion to him and his devotion to you.
May your shared devotion to the Lord be a path to the joy that has surrounded you both for all of these years.
I love you, Sis.
Phyllis lawson
Friday, April 7, 2023
Pat, my prayers go out to you and your family. Dr. McElmurry was a very kind and wonderful Dr. and person. I count it a honor to have work with him at the surgery clinic. He will be missed. My God be with all of you during this time.
Nancy Sierra
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I had the honor to be Dr Mcelmurry hospice nurse . He was truly loved and has the most beautiful family . I could see a little piece of him in everyone of his children. May he rest in peace. Thank you for allowing me to help care for your father .
Velda Bean
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Dr. McElmurry was an awesome doctor and had a very pleasant bedside manner. He truly cared about his patients. He will be dearly missed by many people. Prayers for the family and may god wrap his loving arms around you in this difficult time.
Brian and Laura Cotner
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Pat, we just found out about Steve's passing. He was one of the kindest, most caring and decent men we have ever known, and an excellent physician. We are very sorry for your loss.
Jacolyn Pelts
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I was an RN at JRMC, and I cared for some of Dr. McElmurrys patients. They loved and fully trusted him. He was respectful to nurses and all other staff. Condolences to his family. Rest in eternal peace, Dr. McElmurry.
Carla Almgren
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
So sad. He was such a nice caring man and Doctor. He was very good to me and spoke to me many times when he saw me at the hospital when my parents where ill and dying..I spent many hours on the hospital couch. He would always laugh and joke with me..I would see him many times running around like crazy and I would tell him you are going to have a Heart attack..And I would get him to sit down for a few minutes..He will be missed..
Theresa Reynolds Copperthite
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Pat, I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. We know that he is basking in the presence of our Savior, hearing Him say, “ Well done good and faithful servant!†Praying comfort for you and your family.
Susan Owen
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Pat and family… how my heart aches for you all….. My deepest condolences to all of you…. Steve was an amazing godly man …. Respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him. I’ve known you both since 1979….Pat and Steve led me to the Lord at the most impressionable age of 15… their obedience to Christ has spanned three generations in my own family. What a reward you shall have my precious friend.
Marlene Frazier
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss—we know this is difficult for all. Praying for your comfort and peace. The obituary is beautiful and what a legacy Steve left for his family.
Roz Freeman
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
I think I’ve know Steve and Pat for over 45 years. He was a delightful man and a wonderful example of a godly husband and father. It was a privilege to know Steve and I rejoice with spat and his children that we will see him in Heaven.
Michael Mason
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Dr. McElmurry was a fine physician and man. He straight up saved my dad's life, I'm convinced of that, when he figured out what many others could not. And he practiced with a sense of humility and service that was much to be admired. Rest in peace.
Bobbye Adams
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
A 49 plus years of a precious friendship that began when Steve was still I’m medical school, there was only ONE McElmurry child, and we were neighbors. So many whirling thoughts of Steve. I was always in awe of him coming home on after having been gone three-four days and nights, changing clothes and immediately begin mowing the lawn or tending to thing’s around that adorable house…telling me he had an ulterior motive for getting that two seated corvette because it was thei date car….talking about being on his motorcycle and just getting out in the open and how great it felt after a stressful day, tending to neighborhood kids and their cuts, scrapes, splinters, etc.-mainly our Kevin! - on the kitchen table - not allowing me to gift a cake to them because the Word says a laborer must be paid his wages for the work he’s done….on and on and on…non-stop memories I’m so thankful to have of the most godly man I’ve ever known. How comforting his voice was when he assured me I’d have the best care after my cancer diagnosis and that he’d give me the same care that he’d give Pat if she were his cancer patient….he was the reason for my positive attitude because I knew Who he sought wisdom from….his advice with my mom and faithfulness in calling to check on her…and, the amazing thing is that I’m only ONE PERSON! There are countless others he showed the same care and concern for! Imagine his surprise when the Lord showed him the souls he’d won for Christ and His kingdom! What a privilege to have known Steve McElmurry, let alone to have called him a dear friend. If only we all could make such a difference in this world for Christ and His kingdom as he did.
Lorrie Ryals
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
I didn’t get to work for Dr. McElmurry very long but he enjoyed showing this new nurse many things that I appreciate so much. It was an honor getting to know him. God bless his wife and family.