John O. Elwood

Creve Coeur- John O. Elwood, 88 of Creve Coeur, passed away at 1:25 PM on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. John was born on May 13, 1924 in Washington County, Indiana to the late Thomas Henry and Claudia Esther Lockhart Elwood. John married Violet Jean Knight on July 6, 1947. She predeceased him in July 1991. Surviving are three daughters, Brenda (Rich) Vercler of Washington, IL, Debbie (Tom) Schlosser of Rialto, CA and Diana (Philip) Volk of Kenai, Alaska; several grandchildren, Janna (Tom) Novak, Sarah Schlosser, Caleb Manuel, William (Stephanie) Schlosser, William Manuel, Clint Vercler, Andrea (Andy) Knepp, Ashlee Vercler, Tim Schlosser, Dan Schlosser, Stephanie Lieb, Jessica Wilcox, Brandon Chafee, Shane Chafee; great-grandchildren, Noah Novak, Joseph Novak, Nathan Novak, Gage Vercler, Leksi Knepp, Ilyse Knepp, Allie Schlosser, Bradley Schlosser, Waylon Wilcox, Brad Chafee, Kevin Chafee, Zander Chafee, Rory Chafee, Kailey Schlosser, Nathan Schlosser, Kye Schlosser, Kenzie Schlosser, Lexie Lieb, and Cody Lieb,; a brother, Thomas Elwood (Coppell, Texas). Two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. John graduated in May 1934 from Gerstmeyer Tech High School. He served in the United States Army from June of 1943 until 1945 serving in Italy in the rank of PFC. He received an honorable discharge along with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. John came to Peoria in October of 1945 and was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company, October of 1946, changed employment to NCR (National Cash Register) retiring June 1, 1986. He was a field engineer for 40 years in the Peoria area. After retiring he ran his own lawn care service, John’s Lawn Service, from age 63 until he was 82, mowing up to 50 yards a week when he was 82 years of age. Our father will be remembered for his quiet demeanor and his strong work ethic. He was consistently fair and a highly principled man. No task was too great for his undertaking. Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 11, 2013 at Creve Coeur Christian Church in Creve Coeur. Rev. Nick Oyler and Rev. John Plunkett will officiate. Interment will take place in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delevan, IL with Military Honors rendered by Tazewell Military Rites Team. Visitation will take place on Sunday from 2-4:00 PM at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in East Peoria and on Monday at the church from 10:30 AM until the time of service.

John O. Elwood

May 13, 1924 - February 5, 2013