Jon Corydon Elliot was born January 18, 1936, in Cisco, TX, to Ben Dotson Elliot and Naomi McCaleb Elliot. The family lived in Cisco, Big Spring, and Coleman before settling in Colorado City. (famously pronounced “Call-lo-RAY-doe” by locals) As the youngest grandson by decades in two large West Texas farming families, he was adored and doted on by countless aunts and uncles. The only child of an entrepreneur, he spent his early days in the back of a Coca-Cola distributorship truck, the family’s diner, and eventually Elliot’s Food Market. When he wasn’t “underfoot” in his dad’s businesses, he could be found entertaining his mother’s Garden Club friends or her Sunday School class by reciting her favorite rhetorical selections or singing solos.

Blessed from an early age with a golden voice for both speaking and singing, Corydon (“CAR-i-DUN” to those who knew him best) became a song leader at the 22nd & Austin Avenue Church of Christ while still in his teens, beginning a lifelong love of choral and a cappella music. Though he appreciated all genres, classical music always held a special place in his heart.

Though an injury partially paralyzed his right hand and foot in infancy, it did not slow him down or keep him from his passions. Corydon was a lifeguard, avid swimmer, and an enthusiastic long-distance bike rider in his younger years. He was first chair cornet in the Colorado City High Wolf Band and sang with CHS Choraliers throughout his High School career. He was in several school productions and pageants. As a senior in 1954, his voice led him all the way to the State Choir Solo and Ensemble contest, where he scored perfect 1’s.

After graduating from high school, he attended Abilene Christian College, where he pursued his love of music and his fascination with machines and gadgets by majoring in music and radio communications. He was a regular DJ for ACC’s classical station, KACC, and a member of the A Cappella Chorus, Glee Club, and various touring vocal groups. He studied under ACC’s renowned music department chair, Dr. Leonard Burford, who did not let blindness slow him down. Dr. Burford was an inspiration and encourager, and he was honored when selected to sing with the chorus at his funeral in 1961.

In addition to pursuing his love of music and radio, in late fall of 1962, he met and began pursuing the true love of his life, Miss Mary K. Livingston. After a long courtship and many chicken-fried steak dinners at Casey’s Red Barn, they married in Coleman, Texas, on June 4, 1964.

The young couple lived in Colorado City, where Corydon worked with his dad, Ben, until Ben died in 1968. The couple moved to Dallas, where Corydon earned his Radio Engineers License from Elkins Institute. After working at radio stations in Gatesville and San Angelo, Corydon signed on as a radio engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation’s District Office in San Angelo, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. (At work, he went by Jon, as it was easier to pronounce.)

In 1972, he received commendation from the State of Texas for his outstanding contributions to the employment of handicapped citizens in state service. He never considered himself handicapped, but he was honored. His work fueled his lifelong fascination with gadgets and emerging technology. He embraced the coming computer era, becoming one of the first to learn BASIC, Pascal, and eventually DOS. His love of music never faded. While in San Angelo, he was a longtime member of the Twin Mountain Tonesmen Barbershop chorus and the San Angelo Symphony Chorale.

Corydon and Mary K. welcomed two daughters 8 years apart. The family attended Johnson Street Church of Christ, where Corydon was a deacon for many years. He managed the church sound system, served on the hospitality committee, and was the Children’s Hour co-coordinator with his wife. As his girls grew older, he and Mary K. hosted many youth activities and followed the girls as they pursued soccer, choir, theater, and dance. He was proud that both girls followed in his footsteps to ACU.

After his girls were grown, Corydon retired to Coleman with Mary K to take care of his mother-in-law. While there, he was an elder at Elm St. Church of Christ. He enjoyed aspects of small-town life but was happy to move to Waco shortly after. They attended Crestview Church of Christ, where Corydon continued his love of singing with the Crestview Praise team each Sunday.

When his grandchildren came along, he became “Papa”. During his almost 26 years of living in Waco, he enjoyed watching his three grandchildren grow up across the street. He never missed a Midway Choir Concert or musical involving his grandkids. He went to as many of his grandson’s baseball games as he could, from little league to high school and later to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The kids remember going to breakfast with Papa, how he would harmonize while singing Happy Birthday, and his eloquent prayers before family meals.

Corydon was the last of the “drug store cowboys” and always had a coffee spot where he went to drink coffee after work or on weekends. From Warren Drug to Dunkin’ Donuts in San Angelo, Bowen Drug in Coleman, and Barnes & Noble to Starbucks in Waco, everybody knew his name. This past January, he celebrated his 90th birthday with Waco friends and many relatives. He leaves behind a legacy of music, faith, devotion, and love that will continue through all who knew him.

Corydon is survived by his wife, Mary K. Livingston Elliot of Hewitt; his daughter, Stephanie K. Grosz, and her husband, Rob, along with their children, Kolby, Rhett, his wife Natalie, and Ella Kate; his daughter, Sari Kathleen Adams, and her bonus children, Aidan and Ella; his sister-in-law, Thomasue Hagelstein, and her four children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, all of whom reside in the Waco area; and his cousins, Martha Roberson of Anson, Ann Calvert of Austin, Robby Payne of Littlefield, and Gary McCaleb of Abilene.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Caskey and Ruth Livingston of Coleman; his brother-in-law, Rick Hagelstein of Waco; his dear aunts and uncles, T.O. and Ann Massey of Abilene and Sims and Nell Palmer of Colorado City; and many cherished family members and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Allison Hastings, Renee Ruff, and the compassionate staff of Halcyon Hospice — Trina, Joe, Shirley, Penny, Barry, Carol, and Alyson — for the loving care and comfort they provided during Corydon’s final months.

Memorials in his honor may be directed to the Senior Adult Ministry at Crestview Church of Christ or to Halcyon Hospice of Waco.