Elmer Eugene Hershey was born on May 8, 1941, to Howard and Mary Hershey in Dumas, TX. The family moved to Dimmitt, TX when Elmer was a young boy. After graduation from Dimmitt High School, Elmer attended and graduated from Texas Tech University where he received a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1963.

In 1972, Elmer met Hazel Pruitt on a blind date. Soon thereafter they were engaged and married on March 31, 1973.

In his early professional career, Elmer worked in the aerospace industry. He then moved on to working in the oil and gas industry. His career in the oil and gas industry took him and his family on many adventures around the world.

Elmer loved nature, especially birds. He never let a day go by without ensuring there was a feast to be had by all the birds from the feeders in his yard. He also enjoyed golfing with family, friends and colleagues. His annual fishing trips in early spring were always a highlight.

On December 17, 2017, Elmer peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elmer is survived by his wife Hazel; son Raymond Neil Hershey and wife Alexis Hershey; daughter Stephanie Lynn Clark and husband Stewart Clark; sisters Zelma "Henri" Sorgenfrei and Laoma Ivey; brother-in-law Dempsey Alexander; grandchildren Blake Benson (19), Catherine Hershey (9), Bennett Hershey (9), Madeline Hershey (8) and Noah Clark (3); many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Elmer's memory to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.