Lcdr Elden Luffman

Ocala - LCDR Elden Henry Luffman Sr., 90, passed away peacefully at his home on Memorial Day, May 30, 2016.  Born on August 23, 1925 in Ocala, FL to James Leland and Virginia Griggs Luffman.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joyce Cheek Luffman; daughters, Ellen Laseter (Walter), Candace Luffman, both of Ocala; son, Elden H. Luffman Jr. (Sherry), of Jacksonville, NC; sisters, Virginia L. Williams, Juanita L. Wogelmuth, both of Ocala; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Chaplain Luffman grew up in Ocala, attended Ocala High School and graduated with honors. After graduation he entered WWII. Following the war he returned to Ocala and married Joyce Cheek.  They made their home in Ocala where he worked at the Ocala Post Office. Recognizing his call into ministry, he furthered his education and entered the Navy as a Chaplain in 1962.  After retirement in 1979 he and Joyce made their home in Ocala.

While serving as a Navy Chaplain he ministered to our service men and women. He counts his time in Vietnam as one of the most significant times in his ministry. He later recounted his experiences as a Chaplain in Vietnam in his book, "Taking God to War".

After military retirement he continued his ministry by serving churches in Morriston and Reddick. During those years, he also started the Christian Counseling Center in association with the Marion Baptist Association. His final retirement was in 2010 at the age of 85.

He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, VFW, American Legion and an honorary member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. He was instrumental in establishing, and was project officer for, the annual Four Chaplains program in Ocala from 2001-2013.

Chaplain Luffman loved his God and Country. He was a sincere and gentle man with a deep abiding love and concern for others. His family feels his passing on Memorial Day was very appropriate. Services will be held at Oak Griner Baptist Church, Saturday, June 4, 2016. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM followed by a memorial service with military honors at 2:00 PM.