J.Elzie Yandell, was the son of Joseph Larkin and Mary Bea (Sparks) Yandell. He married Effie Calhoun 25 May 1902, in Latimer Co. OK. He and Effie had three sons, Orville, Warren G, and Larkin A., and five daughters, Lura, Jura, Willa Bea, Jessie Lee, and Laverne, reach adulthood. He was ordained at Lodi (Latimer Co. OK) to preach for the Free Will Baptist Church, in 1904. He farmed as most ministers did during this time, and went far and near to preach. He baptized probably more people in eastern Oklahoma than any other FWB minister of his day. He organized churches, held revivals, funerals and weddings, and was in demand as a speaker wherever he went. In 1929 he took his family to California, and there helped organized a church--this after losing their 14-yr-old daughter, Musetta, in a tragic lightning accident.
J.E. was in the organization of the Okla. State Association of Free Will Baptists, at Holdenville, OK in 1908, and held different and several offices throughout his ministry. He was instrumental in bringing his old home association into the state convention. He had a serious demeanor, a good head, and was known for his honesty. One man remarked about this saying, "If Elzie Yandell said he jumped out an airplane without a parachute, and landed on his feet unhurt.., I'd believe him."

In his later years, after his wife, Effie died, he moved to California where he had several children living. There he met and married Mrs. Daisy Stacks, of Bell Gardens, where they lived until she had a stroke. He supplied the pulpit into his 80's for ministers when they needed him, and remained interested in 'the work' until the last. He had an active life of faith and preaching for over 67 years.
His journey ended peacefully in Fresno, CA, with relatives and many friends to mourn his passing. His memorial service was held in the Chapel of California Christian College, Fresno, with Dr. Wade T. Jernigan, officiating.