Elwood Leroy McElhiney

Elwood L. McElhiney, 86, of Hernando, FL passed away peacefully on December 23, 2017. Elwood was born on November 11, 1931 in Moberly, MO and was the son of the late Edwin and Eva Myrtle Sanders McElhiney.

Elwood’s beautiful bride of 63 ½ years, Shirley passed away on October 3, 2017. He is survived by his two daughters Mary Abbott of St. Petersburg, Florida and Kathy Ballance and her husband John of Lithia, Florida; and four sons John McElhiney of Weeki Wachee, Florida, Michael McElhiney, Patrick McElhiney and David McElhiney all of Indianapolis, Indiana; his brother in law John Kirch and his wife Cindy of Carmel, Indiana; his sister in law Alma Holloran of Indianapolis, Indiana; his sister in law Gwen Kirch of Indianapolis, IN and his nine grandchildren. Elwood was preceded in death by his eight brothers (Edwin, Ervin, Everett, Earl, Emmett, Eugene, Estid and Elmer) and four sisters (Edna, Ella, Elise and Eva). Elwood was the last surviving McElhiney child of Edwin and Eva.

Elwood was a retired Master Sergeant in the United States Army. He served 20 years and received the Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War. He and Shirley moved across the country raising six children. Even after his military retirement, he traveled the country each year attending reunions with his fellow soldiers. After he retired from the army, he turned to his passion of carpentry. He retired from the Indianapolis United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union Local 758 after a long second career. Elwood was very creative with his hands and could make, repair and build anything. Elwood was liked and respected in both his professions. He was a very hard worker over the years to ensure his family was provided for.

Elwood and Shirley retired and moved to Hernando in 2005 after building their dream home in Citrus Hills in 2004. This was their first new home and they loved designing and decorating their paradise in Florida. After their retirement to Florida, both Elwood and Shirley were very active in the community doing all the things they never had time to do while they were working full time and raising six children.

Elwood was a life long member of the Knight of Columbus, both in Indianapolis, IN and in Lecanto, FL and received his 4th Degree. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the fourth degree. He was a member of St. Scholastic Catholic Church. Other memberships include the Moose and Elk Club of Citrus County where he and Shirley enjoyed playing the card game Euchre. Elwood and Shirley were also active in the Forester's Club. Elwood served as President for many years in this organization.

Elwood was very committed to Veteran support. He never met a stranger and had time for everyone and everything. He served as commander at the Disabled American Veterans at both the Gerald A. Shonk Chapter 70 and Crystal River Chapter 158. He was very active in all their fund raising activities. He attended the Conventions annually to maintain his training to continue to support Veterans. He loved every minute and the friendship that went with supporting Veteran activities.

Elwood’s wife, children and grandchildren were the center of his life. They loved to vacation with both family and friends and spent every summer for 40 years in Hilton Head, SC. They also traveled extensively over the Unites States and Caribbean. Elwood and Shirley found a new passion after they retired. They loved to gamble and traveled whenever they could to Biloxi, MS for 4 and 5 day excursions.

Elwood was an honorable, hard-working, person who lived life with a passion. He had a tremendous competitive personality and loved to play games to win. He enjoyed his home and took great pride in maintaining it. His door was open to everyone including neighbors, friends and family. He loved to be in large groups and be in the center telling funny stories. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Family and friends may gather at the Fero Funeral Home at 5955 N. Lecanto Highway in Beverly Hills, Florida on Thursday January 4, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Scholastica Catholic Church on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 11:00 am located at 4301 W. Homosassa Trail in Lecanto, Florida. There will be a lunch immediately following mass on Friday at Fero Funeral Home for family and friends.

Inurnment will be in the Florida National Cemetery with Military Honors in Bushnell, Florida at a later date.

The family has requested donations to St. Scholastic Catholic Church in Elwood’s name in lieu of flowers. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fero Funeral Home, 5955 N. Lecanto Highway in Beverly Hills, Florida.