Elton Putnam

Belden - Elton Putnam passed away July 18, 2015. He was born July 6, 1926 in Scott County Mississippi to Roy Lee and Erma Mayo Putnam. Putt, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, married Mary Elizabeth Cliburn on August 28, 1949 and was a loving husband and father to Curtis Lee & James Keith Putnam. Putt attended school in Harperville, Mississippi until he joined the Navy in 1944. After two years of service, he began college at Mississippi State University where he earned a BS in 1950. He earned a MS from the University of Missouri in 1963. Employed by the Mississippi State Board of Health from 1950 to 1988, Putt worked there as a Survey & Evaluation Officer in the Milk & Food Service program until he retired. In 1965, Putt moved the family to Tupelo, Mississippi. Shortly after, his family joined First Baptist Church of Tupelo. Putt loved the Lord and His church and faithfully served in many capacities, such as, deacon, visitation team and various committees in the church. He enjoyed helping others and served on the Shepard's Center Board and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. He was a charter member of the North Mississippi Hospital Wellness Center and continued to participate. He stayed as fit as he could and continued to work out and encourage others as long as he was able. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary E. Putnam; two sons, Curtis Lee Putnam and James Keith Putnam (Linda) both of Huntsville, Alabama; grandchildren, Nicholas Lee and Shannon LeeAnn Putnam. Preceded in death by both his parents; one brother James D. Putnam; one daughter-in-law, Donna Putnam. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Tupelo with Dr. Gayle Alexander and Bro. Ricky Young officiating. Burial will be at Tupelo Memorial Park. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2015 at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com