David Joe Elms, 53, of Blythe, CA left this world after struggling with cancer and heart failure.  On May 22, 2018 at 11:11am he took his last breath, surrounded by family and loved ones at UCSD hospital ICU.

David was born and raised in Blythe.  He attended Fresno State University where he obtained his Bachelor's in Agricultural Science.  He also left Blythe for six years for a job opportunity in Bakersfield, but he always returned to his true home of Blythe.

Fishing and hunting were his two passions, which continually provided great conversation and a full freezer.  Not only were hunting and fishing his passions, they were also his job.  David ended his career with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as the Deputy Regional Manager/Environmental Program Manager.  At work, David enjoyed overseeing fish hatcheries, tracking wild cats and bighorn sheep, and managing multi-million dollar grants for water and other wildlife projects.  In his off time, he also enjoyed being on the river and exploring the desert.  The "city of outdoors" was continually tested by him.  David was extremely social and loved to be the life of the party.

David is survived by his wife of 25 years Karen "Kellie" Elms (Hudson), daughter Tawny Shaffer (Law) and husband Jason Shaffer; grandchildren Dallas, Teagan, and Ashlyn Shaffer; siblings Angela Carlton (Elms), Dorian Elms, and Diona Elms; and parents Bill Elms and Diane Bush (Grothe).  There are also many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members that were cherished.

David was preceded in death by his brother "Danny" Elms as a young child and more recently by his Grandma Gerry and Papoo.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 9 ^th at Frye Chapel in Blythe to be followed with a celebration of life at Hidden Beaches River Resort.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in David's name to the American Cancer Society.

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Hidden Beaches River Resort
6951 6 ^th Ave.
Blythe, CA 92225