Elmer L. Phelps, Sr., 87, of Bartlett passed away Monday, June 11, 2012 at the VA Medical Center in Memphis. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Forest Hill Funeral Home East with interment to follow in Forest Hill Cemetery East. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening. Elmer was born on November 12, 1924 in Owosso, MI. He was a World War II Army Veteran serving with the 101st Airborne Division and a Purple Heart recipient. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. He was a flagman for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad and a member of Macon Road Baptist Church. Elmer was the founder of Phelps Patrol and Guard Service. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian L. Phelps, and a daughter, Martha Yvonne P. Barker. He leaves two sons, Charles M. Phelps of Bartlett and Lloyd Phelps of Cordova; a daughter, Cherri R. Phelps, of Lakeland; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the Memphis Police Foundation''s Fallen Officers Memorial, www.memphispolicefoundation.org.