Funeral service for Elbert Elwayne Tilghman will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024 in Park Lane Church of Christ.

Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens under direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

Elbert Elwayne Tilghman died Friday, May 31, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas at the age of 80.  He was born July 18, 1943 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Elwayne Elbert and Effie (Caldwell) Tilghman.  He graduated high school in Copperas Cove, Texas and returned to Lawton where he attended Cameron State Agricultural College.  He married Laura Phelps on July 5, 1985 in Reno, Nevada.

An entrepreneur at heart, Elbert's passion for sales was evident throughout his career. He worked at Lawton Produce, Lee Way Motor Freight, Trice Electronics, and as a salesman at the Lawton Subaru dealership. After relocating to Fort Worth in 1988, he continued his sales career with Toyota and later transitioned to selling software to car dealerships.

Elbert was a dedicated member of the Church of Christ and attended Baker Boulevard Church of Christ in Richland Hills, Texas. In his younger years, he was an avid fast pitch softball player and took great joy in coaching his sons in baseball and football. He also had a passion for woodworking.

He is survived by his wife, of the home; two sons, Kevin Tilghman and wife Misty, Lawton, and Keith Tilghman  and wife, Roma, Oklahoma City; two step daughters, Shelley Vandever and husband, Tony, Tennessee and Odie Jo Phelps, Fort Worth, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Tyler, Kourtney, Wesley, Kimberli, Dustin, Justin, Rustin, Jarrin, Christopher, Riley and Malani; eight great grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Fletcher and Betty Tilghman, Edmond, Oklahoma and Stephen and LaRonda Tilghman, Duncan, Oklahoma; his sister, Samara Smart, Lawton, Oklahoma; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kasey Tilghman, and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Smart.

Memorial contributions may be made to Park Lane Church of Christ.