Palestine High School Alumni Association

06 / 17 / 1934  –  12 / 30 / 2015

Services for Johnnie Elfarr age 81 of Palestine will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at St. Philips Episcopal Church with The Reverend Ted Welty and Rev. Woody Meredith officiating. Burial will follow in Land of Memory Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster. Johnnie Elfarr passed away on the morning of Wednesday, December 30, 2015.

He was known as “Snookie” to many of his friends and family. He was born and raised in Palestine , TX. to Alex Elfarr and Hazel Kojak Condos. Johnnie graduated from Palestine High School in 1953 and from Sam Houston State University in 1957 with a degree in History. After a brief stint in the U.S. Army, he returned to Palestine. He married Carole Adams in 1964.

Over the next several years, Johnnie was active in the oil industry. These years culminated with the development of the “Elfarr Chamber Pump” which was published in several industry texts. He later started another business, Aerospace Fasteners, which has now prospered for over 36 years. He remained actively involved in the business and worked everyday until last week when he was hospitalized.

Johnnie has been a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church of Palestine. He was an active board member of UT Tyler, Palestine. He has also supported many local charities over the years. His many recent projects included building the roof at the stock pot, donations to expand the YMCA, improvements to the Harvey’s Women’s Club and supporting the Palestine Humane Society. Some of his passions included traveling the world with his wife, Carole. He also loved entertaining those around him with his philosophies on life, history and music. Those who were fortunate enough to spend time with him were enriched and enlightened by his ideas. We were all better people for having known him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Condos.

He is survived by his family, which he was most proud of. Johnnie dearly beloved his wife Carole of over 51 years. His oldest son, William and wife Barbara of Athens, with their son Alex and daughter Tate. William is a practicing urologist in Athens. His younger son, Jason now lives in Palestine, and will continue the family business. Jason is the father to daughter Presley and son Tristan.

Pallbearers will be Benny Toole, Bennice Johnson, Frank George, Jr., Terry Adams, Jeffrey George, Jon S. Brown, Jess George III, and Jimmy Arage. Honoray pallbearers will be Frank George, Sr., Jesse George, Jr. and Paul Woodard. Condolence calls will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home, Palestine.

Bailey & Foster Funeral Home Website 12 / 30 / 2016