New Family Member

On May 9th, 2015, Stephen's brother, Jon, brought a new member into our little family.  We couldn't be more proud or happy.  It was a beautiful ceremony.  The only thing that seemed missing was Stephen.  However, Stephen had put his stamp of approval on the marriage.  Rick found a turkey feather on the morning that we were preparing to leave for the venue.

We tried to have Stephen's presence felt
with the symbol of his turkey feathers.  When Jon and Mariah were saying their vows, the wind kicked up and became quite heavy.  There were several people that commented that Stephen was making his appearance.

As part of their ceremony, they signed their marriage license.  It was only appropriate that they used a turkey feather to inscribe their signatures.

On the tables, there were books for guests to sign.  In each book was also a turkey feather pen to write their message.

Jon's groom cakes were in the shape of his two favorite states--Kentucky and Georgia.  On each cake were writings of special places to him.  One of the most special places to him on the Kentucky cake was the Stephen D. Elrod Memorial Plaza at Georgetown.

Stephen's best friends, Mark and Carra Surgalski
Mark was his roommate for four years and Carra became
like a sister to Stephen.

We had a table set aside as a memorial to those who had touched our lives.  Stephen and Nicholas were watching from the heavens as their baby brother got married.

Of course the wedding would not have been complete without three of Stephen's favorite people present.

Sable Bowman
Stephen's girlfriend

We came as a family of three....

And left as a family of four.

The happy couple

2015 Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships

This year, we were glad that Rick was able to arrange his schedule in order to attend the ELCA Athletic Ceremony and present the scholarship to a lovely young lady, Alayna Carrandi.  She is a very strong girl that suffered the hardship of losing her mother during her senior year.

Alayna with her brother, grandparents,
Scott Reeves, Rick and Judy

Alayna was a two-sport student in soccer and volleyball.  She was very involved in academic and school organizations such as National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society), Beta Club, ELCA Student Leadership Institute, Student Council, and FCA.  In addition to maintaining a 4.21 grade-point average and holding a part-time job, she found time to be the chaplin of her senior class, the campus representative for a non-profit organization, and participated in the ELCA reading buddies program.

Alyana was also the recipient of the Zell Miller Scholarship.  Her plans are to attend University of Georgia in the fall and pursue a career in pediatric medicine.  Stephen would be very proud knowing Alayna was the recipient of a scholarship in his memory.

Jan 2006, Will was supporting
Jon and the Wildcats on the basketball court.

On May 28th, we were very pleased to attend the PCHS Awards banquet and honor a long time friend and neighbor, Will Redden.  Will was always an avid supporter of the Pendleton County Wildcats, even at a very young age.  The picture to the left shows Will with his sign cheering on one of his favorite players.  Little did he know that nine years later, Jon would be awarding Will with the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship.

 Will graduated from Pendleton County High School with a 3.875 GPA and ranked 8th out of a class size of 162.  In addition to Will excelling in the classroom, he was also an active member in his church with the praise band and the mission team.  

Will was a very active student in different organizations at school.  He was the Pep Band Assistant Director and held the first chair in the percussion section.  Will was a four-year member of the Student Council holding various offices, Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, and Senior Council. As busy of a schedule that Will had, he found time to also excel on the baseball field.

Rick presenting Will with his scholarship

Will and Jon after the ceremony

He was honored as being a KHSAA Academic All-State member.  Although he had various scholarship opportunities to further his baseball career at the college level, he decided to focus solely on his academics at Northern Kentucky University, where his mother is a professor, and pursue a career in construction management.

Will's father, Mike Redden is the circuit
clerk in Pendleton County.  Mike relayed
a conversation he had with Stephen
shortly before his untimely death.
Stephen had previously renewed his license, but had noticed he had not signed the back of the license to be an organ donor.  On his lunch hour one day, Stephen drove to Falmouth to specifically sign up as an organ donor.  When Mike questioned him and commented he was too young to be concerned with such things, Stephen told him he had a personal relationship with Jesus and if anything ever happened to him, he didn't want there to be any question as to his wishes.

2014 Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship

Stephen and Chelsea
at her wedding

We were very privileged to have one of Stephen's best friends, Chelsea Yarbrough McDonald,  and Scott Reeves present the 2014 Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship at ELCA.  Stephen met Chelsea in the first couple of weeks after moving to Georgia in his Sunday school class.  When it was time to enter middle school, Stephen wanted to attend ELCA with Chelsea and another friend from the church.  It was one of the best decisions he ever made.  They remained close throughout school and afterwards.

The scholarship at ELCA was presented to a very special young man, Gib Pounds.  Gib was born legally blind, but he never thought of himself as having a disability.  He is an outstanding young man with a work ethic to match.

Judy, Gib, and Chelsea after the ceremony

Gib began his career at ELCA in 2001 and attended for 13 years.  He played football at a young age in elementary school and won a starting position as the center for the first time as a senior.  Gib graduated ELCA with a 4.26 GPA.  He is currently attending University of Georgia and majoring in education.  The following is an article that appeared in the Henry County Herald after Gib's acceptance of the scholarship.

In spite of being legally blind, Eagle's Landing Christian senior Gib Pounds has never let that take away from his focus.

"Having 2200 vision means I cannot drive but that's my only limitation," Pounds said.  "My vision could be worse.  I could have tunnel vision but I'm just extremely nearsighted and totally colorblind."  

A week ago, Pounds was awarded the Stephen Dale Elrod Memorial Scholarship at ELCA Athletic Awards Ceremony.

"I was completely shocked," said Pounds, who started at center for the football team this past season.  "I walked up there speechless.  I think I whispered thank you.  I didn't see it coming."

Pounds was well deserving of the honor, thanks to his 4.26 grade-point average.

"It doesn't matter if you have a disability or not," Pounds said.  "Hard work is going to get you where you want to go.  I could've come out of here with a lower GPA if I had not taken the time to spend my time studying."

During his time on the gridiron last season, Pounds helped the Chargers earn an 11-1 record.

"Football has been something I've been glad to play with all of my friends here," Pounds said.  "I found the perfect position as a center.  Let's face it: I wasn't going to be catching the ball."

This fall, Pounds will pursue a degree in education at Georgia.

Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships 2013

In 2013, we were pleased to award Garrett Appleton at the awards ceremony at PCHS on May 8.  Garrett was a member and leader of the basketball squad.  He was very involved in other leadership roles in the National Honor Society and the Senior Council.  During his senior year, Garrett demonstrated a strength and faith unlike other normal high school seniors.  He was forced to sit the sidelines on the basketball court due to some heart issues.  While others might have dropped off the team, Garrett continued to be part of the team with his daily support and uplifting attitude.

After Garrett had received the honor of Stephen's scholarship, he sent us a thank you note saying that out of all the scholarships he had applied for, this was the one scholarship he wanted the most.  Garrett continued his education at Morehead State University.  He is currently in his second year and is majoring in Sports Medicine.


The scholarship at ELCA was awarded to Miss Ellie Jagus.  Due to my niece's wedding in Houston, Texas, we were unable to personally present Ellie with the scholarship.  However, at the awards ceremony the following year, Ellie sought me out and introduced herself to me.  She is a true example of what Christ wants from all his children.

Ellie exemplifies Christian character in all she does.  She is loved and respected by her fellow students, teachers and coaches.  Ellie came to ELCA as a freshman from public school and quickly adapted to her new environment and emerged as a leader at ELCA.  She participated in Cross Country all three years where her coaches recognized her Christian character and positive influence on the lives of others.  Ellie also traveled to Jamaica all three years of her high school career at ELCA.  She humbly served the people of Martha Brae, Jamaica as well as her team members on the mission trip.

Other activities that she was involved in at ELCA included Mock Trial and Model United Nations team.  She also served as a volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium and was a recipient of the James Michael Everett Scholarship for Fine Arts.  

Ellie is compassionate, hardworking, friendly, funny, and always leaving a positive impact on those she meets.  When Coach Queen sent out the criteria for the Elrod Scholarship to over 30 faculty, staff, and coaches – Ellie Jagus was the nomination that surpassed all the other students.

Ellie is attending the University of North Georgia with a double major in Early Childhood and Special Education.  Her life dream is to return to the mission field and work with special needs children.   

About our Heart Design

The Heart Design and its components have been adopted by our family.  Stephen's initials are strategically placed inside the heart as to always carry his memory with us.

The turkey tail feather has become symbolic to us as a message sent from Stephen.  The day following his funeral when the back porch was being cleaned after all his family and friends had been gathered the previous day, a turkey tail feather was found lodged between a heavy pot of flowers and the brick of the house.  Stephen loved turkey hunting, and we felt it was his way of letting us know he was experiencing the love of God and the beauty of His creations.  Since then, we have found turkey tail feathers at the memorial sculpture at Georgetown College while mulching and cleaning, on random walk and hikes around the farm, and other unlikely places.  It always seems to bring a smile to our faces no matter what the circumstances are at the time.

The dragonfly is a reminder that "what is unseen is eternal."  Although we cannot fix our eyes on Stephen today, he is experiencing the beauty and glory of Heaven.  While plans were being made for "Stephen's Dinner for Life", the symbolism of the dragonfly was revealed to all attendees from the story of the double organ recipient speaker.  It is as follows.

Once, in a little pond in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little nymph in a community of dragonfly nymphs.  She lived a challenging yet gratifying life in the beautiful pond.  Once in a while great sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow nymphs would climb the stem of a lily pad and never be seen again.  They knew when this happened their loved one was gone forever.  Then one day, the little water nymph felt the irresistible urge to climb up that stem.  Yet, she was determined that she would not leave forever.  She would come back and tell her fellow nymphs what she had found at the top.   When she reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, she was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that she decided she must take a nap.  As she slept, her body changed and when she woke up, she had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.  So, fly she did!  And as she soared, she saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life than what she had only hoped existed down in the pond.  Suddenly she remembered her nymph community and how they must be thinking by now she was dead.  She wanted to go back to explain to them that she was now more alive than she had ever been before.  Her life had been fulfilled rather than ended.  But, alas her new body would not go down into the water.  She could not get back to tell her family and friends the good news.  Then she understood that their time would come soon when they too would know what she now knew.  So, she raised her wings and flew off into her joyous new life!

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." --2  Corinthians 4:16-18

3rd Annual Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships (2012)

On the evening of May 3rd, the annual Senior Scholarship and Award Ceremony was held at the Pendleton County auditorium. This year proved to be one of the most difficult in selecting a recipient for the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship. However, Ethan Stahl impressed the committee with his work ethic and thoughtfulness towards others. In reading his essay and recommendation letters, we believed he exhibited the qualities most like Stephen. Stephen was an individual that could spend hours talking to older adults. As one of the recommendation letters states, "Ethan is well liked not only by his peers but by adults of all ages. He welcomes them and constantly reaches out to them."

Jon presenting Ethan with his scholarship

Ethan maintained a 3.71 GPA while participating in football, track and field, and band. He is a member of Grassy Creek Christian Church.  Much like Stephen, he loves the outdoors and hunting.  His future plans include attending Morehead State University and majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship was presented at the annual Eagles Landing Christian Academy Athletic Banquet to Mr. Tyler McCammon by Clay and Scott Reeves.  They began the scholarship after Stephen's untimely death.  Matt Harless, a friend of Stephen's, read a passage of scripture and told the audience how he remembered Stephen.

Judy Elrod, Matt Harless, Tyler McCammon, Clay and Scott Reeves

Tyler is an individual that attended ELCA since the 1st grade.  He played varsity football all four years of high school and as a senior decided to add tennis to his schedule.  Academically, he was tops in his class holding a 4.01 GPA.  Tyler holds strong Christian values and exhibited them being active in FCA and the Student Leadership Institute at ELCA.  He will be attending Mercer University to major in Biology.

After the committee recommended Tyler for the scholarship, I pulled his profile up on Facebook and discovered he shared the same birthday (February 7th) as Stephen.  In addition, he loves his dog and hunting just as Stephen.

Congratulations Tyler and Ethan on receiving the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship.

Stephen's Dinner for Life

Stephen's Dinner for Life was held at Stonewood Gardens on June 18th and was a huge success. Over 275 people attended the event and it raised $4000 for the Kentucky Circuit Clerk's Trust for Life organization.  It is the objective of the Trust

Dick Veale, double organ recipient and author

to raise public awareness and encourage organ and tissue donation throughout the Commonwealth.   Following a delicious meal, Dick Veale, double-organ recipient and author, spoke about the miraculous gift that saved his life. The night concluded with live music with Borderline, a local band that donated their time and talents to the worthy cause.

Rick and Judy Elrod with Shelley Heaverin and
Mike Redden, Pendleton County Circuit Clerk.

Stephen's father, Rick, spoke of how Stephen valued the organ donation program and registering as a donor. He recalled the day of Stephen's accident. "It doesn't bring him back, but it brings awareness," said Rick. "With all of the other horrible things going on that day, we didn't have to make the decision for him to donate. He did that for us, and tonight is a way to continue his work and spread his name."



He concluded by giving a check for $3500 to Shelly Heavrin, Executive Director for Ky. Circuit Clerk Trust for Life. After all the bills were paid, an additional check for $500 was sent to the organization. For our first benefit, our hopes were to break even and possibly make a couple hundred dollars to donate to such a worthy cause. Little did we believe we would receive the support that we did.

Mark and Carra Surgalski
Stephen's best friends and roommate.

The event received monetary support from several businesses and individuals such as Ale-8 Marketing Company, Sunrise Corporation, Can-Dew Recycling, Bob and Carol Griffin, Brian and Beth Griffin, Happy and Bobbi Osborne, State Representative and Mrs. Tom McKee, Dr. John Reid, Sean Roseman, Chad and Melody Simms, James and Allison Biggs, Robert and Joyce Carmack, Jim and Jill Conway, Barth and Pam Johnson, Carol Klaber, JoEllen Mitchell and family, Doug and Judith Spritzky, Dan and Pam Moreno, Dale and Peggy Prebble, Marvin and Sandy Sullivan, Steve and Patti Thomas, Gary and Marsha Thompson, and Xanadu Salon.

Jackson Stephen Reed and proud dad

We received other support from the attendance of good friends and acquaintances.  One of the guests that attended  the evening was Jackson Stephen Reed. He is the newborn son of Chris and Lauren Reed, a couple that went to Georgetown College with Stephen. They wanted to name their son after one of their best friends, Stephen.


We have learned these past couple years that in the hardest of times, it is with the support and shoulders of your friends, family, and the church that give you the strength to overcome adversity.

Molly Faust and Emily Kiniyalocts, co-workers of Stephen

2nd annual Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships Awarded

It is a privilege to announce the recipients of the annual Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships for 2011. On May 16, at Pendleton County High School, Chelsea Gosney was awarded the scholarship. While at Pendleton County High School, she was involved in basketball and the Future Farmers of America, while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Chelsea continues to be a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist church, where she has attended since she was little. She has volunteered her time as the pianist and assisted in whatever ways needed in other areas of the church. Chelsea participated in the Kentucky Changers mission project by stripping siding and an old porch off a house and replacing them with new.

She is a special young lady. Her activity in events like the Make a Wish Foundation and Walk for Wishes highlight her empathy for others. She is a very-well rounded lady who is very deserving of the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship. Her plans are to attend Gateway Community and Technical College in Edgewood, Kentucky and receive a degree in Medical Assisting Technology, so that she might become a medical assistant and continue to help others upon completion.

At the annual Eagles Landing Christian Academy athletic banquet, Taylor Echols received the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship. "Once the criteria for the scholarship was sent to all the head coaches, booster club board of directors and ELCA administration, it was pretty much unanimous that Taylor would receive the honor," said Scott Queen, ELCA athletic director. "Taylor is so much like Stephen in many ways." Taylor lettered in basketball four years, golf three years, and soccer his senior year. He received the following basketball honors: All-State honorable mention, All-Region 1st team Junior and Senior years, All-Region honorable mention his sophomore year, ELCA Basketball Athlete of the Year his Junior and Senior years, and was a member of the 1000 point club. He was also a standout in the classroom. He held a 4.23GPA when he graduated and a 1730 SAT score. In addition, Taylor was involved with the mission field in Nicarauga and the Haven House ministries. Upon graduation from Eagles Landing Christian Academy, he plans to attend University of Georgia. Congratulations Taylor.

Stephen's Dinner For Life

To remember and honor our son who saved lives through the gift of organ donation, the Elrod family is sponsoring an evening, Saturday, June 18, dedicated to raising awareness about the crucial need for organ and tissue donation in Kentucky. Dinner will be served promptly at 7:00 followed by a double-organ recipient speaking. We will complete the evening with live country and southern rock music with the band, Borderline. Reservations are required by Sunday, June 12, by calling Judy at 859-472-1109 (h), 859-322-6332 (c), or email kybred60@aol.com. Seating is limited. Ticket price $35, or $250 for table of eight. Checks should be made out to "Stephen Elrod Memorial Fund" and can be mailed to "10568 Hwy 10 North, Foster, KY 41043". Proceeds from the event will benefit KY Circuit Court Clerk's Trust for Life, a non-profit organization for organ donation.

A Very Special Young Man

These shoes belong to a young gentleman that was on the Hoopsters 2nd-3rd grade basketball team that Stephen helped coach. He is the same young man that came to our home and gave us his trophy in remembrance of Stephen.

When it was time to order new basketball shoes this year, Cody had the opportunity to personalize them. When his mother asked him what name he wanted on his shoes: Cody, Cody James, Codeman, etc., he asked if he could put someone elses name on his shoes. Puzzled, his mother questioned him further. Cody proceeded to tell her he wanted his name and Stephen Elrod's name on his shoes. Since both names wouldn't fit, he went with Cody SDE. In addition to putting Stephen's initials on his shoes, Cody also changed his uniform number from 12 to 15, Stephen's number. Stephen had quite an impact on Cody's young life. Cody is a very special young man.

A Long Awaited Letter

After a long process, we finally received a letter thirteen months after Stephen gave life to another individual. Sending and receiving correspondence between the donor family and donor recipients respects each family's privacy and is quite extensive. While it is difficult for the donor family, it is also encouraging to know Stephen's death saved other lives. In addition, for the donor recipient, they find it difficult to correspond because of the circumstances surrounding their gift of life.

Stephen's liver recipient is an older 60 year old gentleman who lives in Ohio. He suffered from a chronic progressive disease which caused acute liver failure. He was second on the waiting list and was extremely ill at the time of his transplant. Stephen saved his life. When he is feeling well enough, he works at Goodyear Tire. He is the married father of two children. In his free time, he especially enjoys outdoor activities. In his letter he said that he had had several complications along the way, but continues to make medication changes and undergo multiple testing in order to improve his health status. Because of Stephen's gift of life, he is alive and able to spend time with his new grandbaby. He said he feels an obligation to cherish every day for Stephen's sacrifice. He would be eternally grateful to Stephen, and was very sympathetic with our loss.

The donor program is a wonderful life saving one. In order to educate others, Second Chance at Life, Inc., has designed a specialty license plate. It will become a reality once, and if, 900 applications and fees have been received. Your initial check of $25.00 will be held in escrow until all 900 applications are received. An application for the plate can be downloaded at www.kyorgandonor.org. Below is the total cost of the Donate Life Specialty Plate: $25.00 - initial fee with application, $9.00 - Paid at your County Clerk's Office once plate is available, $10.00 - Donation to Second Chance for continual public education efforts--$44.00 Final Total
Please sign up for the Donate Life license plate today.

"SDE" honored with the Future Pendleton Co. Hoopsters

One afternoon this spring we received a call from Wes Sullivan, the coach of the "Future Hoopsters". On behalf of the parents, coaches, and players, he presented us with a framed jersey the team wore this past season. Stephen had began helping Wes by showing the players a few drills. It wasn't long before he was at every practice and game. He was looking forward to the next season of players.

We began two educational scholarships with the memorial funds received from friends at the funeral because we knew Stephen would be honored knowing others had help continuing their education; however, he would be ecstatic if his little basketball team had financial support as well with his funds. We purchased their ball uniforms this past year, and they wore them proudly with the initials "SDE" over their heart. As a thank you at the end of the season, we received a replica jersey (#15...Stephen's high school number). It hangs beside his Georgetown jersey.

Pendleton Country Club 11th Hole Beautified

This year at the annual Jim Griffin Invitational, held at the Pendleton Country Club, the players arrived at the 11th hole and found a memorial garden for Stephen. Several of the players placed a golf ball around the boulder in honor of Stephen. The memorial was donated by a beloved family--Brian, Beth, Macy, Tanner, and Riley Griffin. It was appropriate that it was planted and established for this annual event. Stephen spent the last weekend of his life playing in the Jim Griffin Memorial Tournament. He posted his facebook status on Friday morning, July 17, 2009 at 2:20 am as "Stephen Elrod is awake...hoping to have a great weekend...it's the griffin memorial tournament...best weekend of the summer in pc". A few hours later, he went to Brian and Beth Griffin's home to help them set up for their Jon Boat Classic, an annual party they hosted to begin the tournament in honor of Brian's father, Jim Griffin.

2010 Scholarship Presentations

The Stephen Dale Elrod Memorial Scholarships were created to honor graduating students from the two high schools Stephen attended (Eagles Landing Christian Academy, GA, and Pendleton County High School, KY) who most exemplified the life and values of Stephen. In order to qualify for the scholarships, the recipients must have participated in a sport while maintaining a high and vigorous academic standard. In addition, they should epitomize the principles Stephen held in high regard through their words and actions. He/She would exhibit hard work and never settle for being average, always look for the good in others, and have the desire to make a positive difference.

Eagles Landing Christian Academy
May 21, 2010


Out of a graduating class of 75 students, Mr. Daniel Jones received the first scholarship at the annual athletic banquet. While attending ELCA, he was a two-sport athlete and an incredible Christian leader on his athletic teams. In addition, he received lead actor roles in the one-act plays and others at the school.
In the classroom, he maintained a strong academic average. Daniel was involved with the church and participated in mission work as well. In the words of ELCA's athletic director, Daniel was a "great kid and will be missed at ELCA". Daniel plans to attend Georgia State University in the fall of 2010.
One of Stephen's best friends, Clay Reeves, and his father, Scott, made the presentation of the scholarship to Daniel with Rick.

Pendleton County High School
June 1, 2010

Every year, the graduating class of PCHS hosts "Class Night", a night to showcase the talents and achievements of the graduating seniors. Bethany King was one of 58 seniors in a class of 180 to receive a scholarship. Rick and Jon were proud to present her with a scholarship in memory of Stephen.
Bethany was an outstanding student and had an impressive repertoire of community service and mission work through her church. She was a standout on the basketball court and on the cross-country course. She is a talented artist and plans to pursue her career goal at Morehead State University.

Griffin Industries April 1, 2010

Griffin Industries introduced a new scholarship in honor of Stephen to be given annually to an employee who wishes to continue his/her education. The first scholarship was awarded to Molly Faust, an employee at the corporate office. Stephen would be so excited for Molly. She was a good friend and lunch partner every day at work. Molly is furthering her education at Northern Kentucky University.

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients.

Stephen Elrod Memorial Plaza Dedication Ceremony

A twenty-two minute video of the entire dedication of the sculpture and the Stephen Elrod Memorial Plaza at Georgetown College.

Memorial Tribute

Short video put to music of friends and family that attended the dedication ceremony reminiscing about Stephen and looking at the sculpture and inside at the cross and fingerprints placed during the bronze process. Music by Sarah McLachlan, "Arms of an Angel"

Celebration Ceremony

On Friday, May 14th, 2010, the sculpture and plaza area was dedicated in a touching ceremony.

Welcome by Dr. William H. Crouch, Jr.,
Readings and Commentary by: Rick Elrod
Pastor Larry Travis giving "The Angel's Message"
Dr. Nancy Lumpkin reading Isaiah 40: 30-31
Mark Surgalski
Dr. Scott Takacs reading Romans 5: 1-5
Coach Happy Osborne on Stephen as a Gatherer
Dr. Tom Cooper reading Emily Dickinson's There is Another Sky, verses 9-12
Amanda Matthews, artist
Closing Prayer by Rev. Robert M. Fox, Jr.

Coach Happy Osborne spoke of Stephen being a gatherer during the ceremony


The focal point of the plaza area is the bronze sculpture, an angelic form expressing forward and upward movement and quiet introspection. Designed by Amanda B. Matthews and fabricated at the Prometheus Foundry in the spring 2010, the sculpture is bronze with stainless steel armature situated on a rough-cut limestone base. Inside the wings are fingerprints of family members Judy and Jon Elrod and Celtic crosses that bear the initials SDE in remembrance of Stephen.

Surrounding the sculpture are landscaping features that are intended to transform the space from a pass-through area into a gathering place. Two arcs are comprised of fourteen stones brought to the site from a barn on the Elrod family farm in northern Kentucky. Five limestone stepping-stones lead to the sculpture and provide a path to the granite boulders that offer a site of reflection on each side of the sculpture. The plantings accentuate the sculpture and serve, also, as symbolic reminders of the homes where Stephen lived. These include: Crimson Pygmy Barberry from the family home in Falmouth, Kentucky; Nandina bushes from their Georgia home: and Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry, Knockout Roses, and Liriope that are present at the family's current residence in Foster, Kentucky.
It was very important to us to have the sculpture completed, installed, and dedicated before Jon graduated. All the graduates would line up in the George Bush Fitness Center and march through the plaza and sculpture area. Although Stephen was not present physically during this celebration, his presence was felt in more ways than one.
May 15, 2010

The history of the Stephen D. Elrod Memorial Plaza

Stephen spent four wonderful years at Georgetown College and we wanted to commemorate his life outside the David-Reid Alumni Gym where he spent many hours playing basketball. He loved just being a part of the team from year to year and the players and coaches became his second family.

We had different options for a memorial, but it wasn't a difficult decision once we heard the suggestion to name the space between the gym and fitness center as the Stephen Elrod Memorial Plaza and place a sculpture representing his qualities in a focal point on the plaza. The search began for an artist to design the sculpture.

In February 2010, we reviewed the qualification of six different artists. Four of the artists were selected to submit a drawing proposing their design for the sculpture. Although there were four wonderful ideas presented, we knew almost from the very beginning that Amanda Matthews was the artist we were to use. Throughout the design and assembly of the sculpture, we visited the foundry multiple times. We discovered different connections to Amanda which made it evident why she also felt "she was supposed to design this sculpture".

Amanda's proposal for the sculpture memorializing Stephen was of an 'angelic form' expressing forward and upward movement, and quiet introspection. It was a three-dimensional bronze and limestone sculpture standing 7' tall. Her inspiration for the design was born from three separate sources.

We had asked for comments and observations about Stephen from his family and friends. Some of the thoughts, observations, and memories written included "angelic, contagious smile"..."enormous smile"..."friend, an informal angel"..."gentle determination"..."Godly, faithful"..."humble, generous, kind"..."quiet leader"..."uplifting and always greeted you with his smile"..."valued important things in life--family, friends, God"..."respectful"..."displayed the gentleness of God's grace"..."helped you remember that each day is a blessing"..."giving--would find time for you no matter how busy he was"...

As Amanda read over the comments, she began to realize that a sculpture representing only one facet of Stephen's life would not do justice to the memorial. He represented a dynamic combination of uplifting, dedicated, encouraging, spirited leader and unselfish, humble, sincere, thoughtful, hopeful, kind, generous, quiet, faithful angel. One epitaph simply said LOVE.

The second inspiration for the sculpture came from Biblical accounts of Stephen. Amanda told of a Biblical essay by John MacArthur titled Stephen: A Profile in Courage, The Man with the Face of an Angel. The essay notes that Stephen was one of the great men of faith in the early Church. He was described as a "man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" and "of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." Furthermore, as Stephen stood before a council of men (who were determining his fate), even they saw that "his face was like the face of an angel." MacArthur writes "Besides moving history, men also move the hearts of others by their individuality. Stephen was not only important because he had great historical effect (his martyrdom causing the expansion of the church), he was also important just because the very character of his life. This is great proof that the effect of a man's life or ministry has nothing to do with the length of the man's life. This essay's description of the Biblical Stephen, the first Christian martyr, bears striking resemblance to the wonderful remarks and comments made by Stephen's friends and the third inspiration for the sculpture came from the meaning of the name Stephen. Some of the traditional meanings of an angel are:

* a typically benevolent celestial being that acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth, a guardian spirit or guiding influence,
* a kind and lovable person, and
* one who manifests goodness, purity, and selflessness.

The sculpture has a forward, upward swooping motion separating out into two 'wings', which make a crowning circle and come back together near the tips. The south-facing orientation represents the quiet, humble, contemplative, listener like one who is bowing and praying.

Shown to the left is one of the early stages of the sculpture. Jon is shown placing his fingerprints in the soft clay with the artist, Amanda.
The process of bronze sculpting has not changed since the Bronze Age. In the photo is the actual process of pouring hot bronze into the ports in the molds.
To the eye of someone unfamiliar with the process of bronze, this picture would appear the the bronze pour was unsuccessful. However, it was a very successful pour. The molds were unbolted and pulled apart. After the wings are pulled apart, there are still several hours of work before the finished product.
Brad Connell, co-owner of the Prometheus Foundry welded small sections of the wings and the patina needed to be added as well before the finished product could be installed on the site.

Update on Stephen's Organ Donation

The organization that handles all heart valve transplantation, LifeNet sent an update regarding Stephen's heart valves. His two pulmonary and aortic valves have been sent to medical facilities but they do not know if they have been transplanted yet. His aortic valves were sent to a hospital in Georgia in February of 2010. His pulmonary valves were sent to a hospital in Virginia in February 2010 also.

Stephen would be thrilled to know that his heart valves went to Georgia where he spent so many years. They possibly could have benefited someone that he shared the soccer fields or basketball court with over the years.

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

At sunrise and sunset, we remember you. For several years, we have known we wanted to place a proper headstone on Stephen's younger brother Nicholas. But we kept putting this off for some reason. We now know that that we were to wait so that he could share the headstone with his older brother. At the bottom of the stone is the inscription "Sons of Rick and Judy; Brothers of Jon" On the back of the stone the following is written:

In Memory of Nicholas W. Elrod
You were a gift from God born so beautiful and so innocent, giving us a glimpse of Heaven, if only for a few days before God would call you home. We know our God is watching over you, and the angels are gently rocking you, until we can once again feel the touch of your little hand and the warmth of your tender face.

In Memory of Stephen D. Elrod
The lives he touched were immeasurable, and anyone who met him was fortunate enough to have their life enriched. We will forever use our memories of his smile, his sense of humor, his humility and generosity, and his big heart as an inspiration to make our lives and the lives around us more complete and whole.