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A Butler County Love Story

Velda Elmore, now Alexander, finally got the chance to get to know her daddy Johnnie Elmore of Roundhill.  After 77 years, his forgotten US Army footlocker from WW2 was found recently in the family country store on Highway 70 in Butler County. Along with the history it holds, the container also tells the story of a courageous man that loved his country and his family.

Born in Butler County, Johnnie shipped out to the war in Europe in the Fall of 1944 after graduating from Western Kentucky University. He left behind his wife Irene, a 6-month-old daughter Velda, nicknamed “Froggy,” and a mom that had an American flag in the window with three stars on it, one star for each son serving.

Johnnie earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant along with several awards and medals. Letters of love and hope kept the three together until Johnny met his death later in 1944. “I was just 11 months old when my daddy died”, relates Velda.

Johnnie was never forgotten but the footlocker was lost in life's shuffle.  Now 77 years later the family store has also met its end, but the found footlocker has made its way back home to Johnnie's beloved Froggy.

 

Written By: Jimbob Baird

 

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