July 26, 1932 – Aug. 3, 2016

Elmer was born to Oliver Lee and Ardell Floyd in their New Virginia, Iowa farm home on July 26, 1932. He graduated from New Virginia High School in 1950 and shortly after joined the Army to eventually work in the Pentagon repairing cameras in 1954. In May 1954, Elmer married his high school sweetheart, Janet (Olmsted), in New Virginia, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1959 with a Bachelor’s of Science in mechanical engineering and accepted employment at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. He happily made his home in La Crescenta where he raised children, Brian, Kevin and Debra.

During his 36 years at JPL, he had the opportunity to work on several projects in the Space and Earth Science programs that included an infrared astronomical satellite, wide-field planetary cameras and multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer, to name a few. He also earned two NASA honor awards in 1985 and 2015, recognizing his success working on these projects.

In 1994, Elmer retired from JPL and became a snowbird travelling between La Crescenta and Sequim, Washington. He developed strong friendships with his Sequim neighbors and found great satisfaction living in the community that was so similar to his hometown in Iowa.

He enjoyed fishing, crabbing and hiking in the Washington mountain ranges, tinkering in the garage or just sharing a cup of coffee with close friends.

A service was held to honor Elmer’s life on Aug.12 in New Virginia, Iowa.

Elmer is survived by his wife Janet; and sisters Janice McBurney and Carol Visser; children, Brian (and Jeanette) Floyd, Kevin (and Michele) Floyd, Debra (and Mark) Kallas; and grandchildren Patrick, Michael, Kelsey and Marcy.