July 2, 1963 - February 10, 2025

Edward Allen “Gunny” Elmore, 61, passed away on Monday, February 10th, surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born on July 2, 1963 in Plattsburgh NY, the son of the late Virginia (Rock) and Victor Elmore. He was raised by his father and his special mom, Louise Elmore.

He married the former Gail Gardner Lewis, who survives, on February 22, 2006 at Anna Maria Island, Florida. They began their journey together in Bradenton Florida and later relocated to Bennington in 2012.

Joining the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17, he served in multiple deployments around the world for 21 years, including Beirut, Grenada, and the Gulf war (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm). He achieved the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and retired from the Marine Corps in 2001. Gunny was a humble officer at heart who received over 35 medals and ribbons while serving our country. Among them were the Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Nato Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

“Gunny” was all things outdoors, most importantly fishing! He loved riding his Harley, camping with family and friends, a roaring campfire with a cold Coors Light, and a good card game on Saturday nights. His love of music led him to being an exceptional drum player, which entertained many. After retirement you could also find him doing construction projects around the house, caring for his pets that he adored, and watching his Denver Broncos.

Ed was currently employed at the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department. He served on the board and volunteered in many other capacities at the American Legion Post 13 in Bennington.

He is survived by his three children, John (Lizzie), of Lee, FL, Christopher (Danielle), of Kodak, TN, and Jennifer (Bobby) of Swanton, VT., Gail’s children, Jodi Pratt (Dan), Lisa Boynton, and Ryan Lewis (Kristen), all of Bennington, and 11 grandchildren. Also, five siblings, Tina Beard (Percy), Kevin Elmore (Sheila), Doug Elmore (Sonya), Susan Ailstock (Mason), and Byron LaMare (Alena), along with 11 grandchildren, and a special Uncle, Glen (Nancy) Elmore. To Ed, the Gardners were his bonus family. Richard Gardner (Joyce), Steve Greenslet, Sharon Gardner (Bob), Wendy Chenaille (Jimmy), and Kim Livingston (Mike) and their children.

In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother, Tony Elmore in 2019, Linda Greenslet in 2023 and Gary Gardner in 2021.

He loved his people and his VT community, and we will forever miss his kindness, gentle nature and endless love for his pets.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 12:00 at Park Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to VNA Hospice of the SW Region, Dartmouth Cancer Center at SVMC, or Monty’s House Wildlife Rehabilitation, through the funeral home office.

A special thank you goes to the doctors and nurses of the SVMC West wing, Dr. James Kalmuk, and Dr. James MacGregor. Kaitlyn Andrews of VNA Hospice and Allison Malmborg of the V.A. Bennington Clinic were there for Ed and his family every step of his medical journey during his recent illness. The family greatly appreciates your professionalism and genuine compassion.

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