Elva L. “E.L.” Bolding of McAlester died Sunday, June 28, 2009, at McAlester Regional Health Center at the age of 88.
Elva Lee “E.L” was born July 9, 1920, in White Chimney to Ernest and Maude (Hall) Bolding. He married Helen Rhea Kelley on Dec. 7, 1942, in McAlester. He was drafted to work in the shipyards in San Francisco, Calif., during World War II, shortly after marrying Helen. E.L. worked as a barber in Oklahoma City, Holdenville and El Reno before returning to McAlester in 1965 where he owned and operated the B & M Barber Shop on South First Street. He also barbered at several local nursing homes before retiring in 1994. He served on the Pittsburg County Election Board for several years. He was a longtime active member of the North “A” Church of Christ where he was an elder. Elva enjoyed gardening, going to church and spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by two sons, Dennis Bolding of McAlester and Chad Bolding and wife, RoxAnna of Tulsa; granddaughters, Angie Bolding-Martin and husband, James of the home, Nickie Bolding of Tulsa and Misty Reese of Roland; grandsons, Eric Bolding and wife, Stacey, Jason Bolding and Brandon Bolding, all of McAlester; great-grandchildren, Cayden, Colter and Cabe Martin of the home, Trenton, Caseton and Gavin Bolding, Brayden and Ty Hoffman, all of McAlester, and Brayden and Kyler Reese of Roland; brother-in-law, Junior Kelley and wife, Martha; nephews, Earl Grant, Don Nunn and Jimmy Nunn; nieces, Sharon Manning and Brenda Oss; and other family and friends.
Elva was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, on May 29, 2009; his parents, Ernest and Maude Bolding; sisters, Alma Bolding, Ora Grant and Ennis Nunn; and brothers, Aubrey Bolding and Elza Bolding.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Chaney's Memorial Chapel in McAlester with Gerald Heggie officiating. Interment will follow in the Pryor Cemetery. Services are under direction of Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home, McAlester.

Pallbearers will be Eric Bolding, Jason Bolding, Brandon Bolding, James Martin, Sonny Kelley and Wesley Crafts.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the North “A” Church of Christ.

Memorial contributions may be made in Elva's honor to the Pryor Cemetery Association.