Elmer Treadwell

Elmer Treadwell, age 82, passed away on January 11, 2022. Born May 5, 1939 in Myers Camp (S. Coatesville, PA), he was the seventh child to the late Sarah (Washington) and Eddie Treadwell.

Elmer was a life-long resident of Coatesville attending Hustonville and Hephzibah (East Fallowfield) Elementary schools and graduating with honors from S. Horace Scott High School (CASH) in 1957. While a student at Scott he lettered in Track & Field and Cross Country. He continued his education at Thaddeus Stevens Trade School in Lancaster, PA graduating in 1960 with a diploma in Carpentry. Elmer then worked as an Apprentice Carpenter at Sherman & Walton, a Grinder at Lukens Steel, an Occupational Therapy Aide at Embreeville, and a Nursing Assistant at the VA Medical Center.

While working as a full time Machine Operator at Beloit Corp., Elmer chose to continue to pursue higher education by attending Cheyney State College from 1967 – 72 graduating with a BS in Education (Industrial Arts). While at Cheyney he was an honors student and a member of the PA Industrial Arts Society. His academic achievements earned him membership in Alpha Phi Sigma and Epsilon Phi Tau as well as being the recipient of a full academic scholarship.

While a student, Elmer also earned a position as a graduate teaching assistant and taught industrial Arts at Downingtown Jr. High School. The Coatesville VA Medical Center became the recipient of his experience and talents. Over three decades of service he quickly rose from Nursing Attendant to Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist and ultimately to running the Work Rehabilitation Program from which he retired.

Elmer enjoyed cooking and could very easily have been a Master Chef. He was an athlete and avid sports fan. His love of playing sports became a love for watching sports being played at the highest levels. Events he enjoyed included track & field, cross country, tennis, soccer, basketball, football, boxing, competitive bowling and he was an expert in Chess. In addition to being a sports enthusiast, Elmer enjoyed reading, mechanical drawing, organizing files, collecting photos of family and friends, creating photo albums full of wonderful memories, many of them labeled and dated. He also enjoyed learning, listening to music, dancing (he could Bop like no other), time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, traveling with his queen, the rhythm and language of the drum and nature’s tranquility.

In 1959 Brenda Bradford said, “Yes” and Elmer married the love of his life and queen of his castle. Together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. To this union were born three children, Darius C., Brenda Elmira (died at birth), and Theron C.

Elmer was a kind hearted, well respected, quiet and peaceful soul with a quick-witted sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Elmer was our Chief Encourager; he was passionate about helping others. He cheered on and supported many at their concerts, competitions and sporting events. He loved family as evidenced by his hand-made cross of red roses from his mother’s garden that was an expression of love at her funeral service, the birthday list he created and his support of the family reunions using his artistic skills to design our first logo – the famous family tree. While he was not always an active church-goer, his spirituality and connection to God was evident by how he lived his life and treated others. He was passionate about his family and friends and had a special way of making each person feel like they were his favorite and spoke life into everyone that he met. Last, but not least, Elmer was the quintessential husband, father, and grandfather. His helpfulness, supportive encouragement, patience and generosity stand as a testament to what a man can be.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Eddie and Sarah (Washington) Treadwell, a daughter Brenda Elmira, siblings Annie L. Treadwell, Brady L. (Marguerite) Treadwell, Dorothy Treadwell, Jeanne T. James, and step-granddaughter Keturah Miller. Elmer’s cherished memory continues through his loving wife of 62 years, Brenda B. Treadwell, sons Darius C. (Nana), and Theron C., grand-daughter Kiora Treadwell, step-great-granddaughter Lyra Miller, siblings Bernice (James) Smith, Rosa B. Bookard, Sister-in-law, Viola McDonald, special friends Ben Walls, Jerry James, Larry and Barbara Stallworth, Thomas and Yvonne Toney, many nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of beloved family and friends.

 A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Wright Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc, 725 Merchant Street, Coatesville PA 19320. A walk thru visitation will begin 10:30 AM.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the memorial service will be held privately with limited seating for only the immediate family and invited guests. 

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