Richard Louis Elrod, age 71, of Benton, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026.  He was born May 9, 1955 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Richard was a 1973 graduate of Benton High School and went on to retire from CoorsTek after 43 years.  He served as Deacon for East Side Missionary Baptist Church and later was a member of Forest Hills Baptist Church.

Richard never met a stranger.  He was a simple man and loved the Lord.  Richard enjoyed fishing, camping, golf and loved his fur babies, Copper & Oscar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Albert Elrod & Retha Mae Reed Elrod and step-son, Marcus Griffin.

Richard is survived by his wife, Judy Elrod; brother, Greg Elrod (Vicki); nephews, Andrew Elrod (Tiffany) and Kevin Elrod (Janice); and several more family & friends that will miss him dearly.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Witham and Wes Martin.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Ashby Funeral Home

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial to follow at Owensville Cemetery.  Bro. Marcus Blakley will be officiating.