Joseph "Jody" Wakefield Elston

Joseph “Jody” Wakefield Elston, age 48, of Franklin, TN passed away on June 24, 2025 with his family by his side after a short but valiant battle against Stage IV Melanoma. Jody was born in Louisville, KY where he graduated Eastern High School, excelling at soccer, baseball and academics. He graduated the University of Evansville where he met his beloved wife and best friend, Jennifer (Schultheis) Elston. They went on to build the most beautiful family with 4 children- Abraham Elston, Isla Rose Elston, Asher Elston and Asa Elston and their dogs. In addition to the Neora business he shared with Jennifer, Jody most recently worked in real estate and was skilled at carpentry and renovation. He loved the outdoors and the mountains- hiking and spending time at their cabin with his family. Jody had a passion for “living happy” and was an infinitely capable man, a hard worker, a kind spirit with boundless energy and loved by all who knew him. Never uttering a bad word about anyone, he radiated peace and quiet strength and was always the first to lend a helping hand to a friend or a stranger with a smile. Above all else, Jody was a devoted husband and father and his family was the most important thing in the world to him. His greatest joy was time spent with his wife and children- especially loving to travel and explore the world with them. He planned out a “dad camp” with his children every summer, teaching them important life skills- he took joy in guiding them, protecting them, encouraging and supporting them every day of their lives. His kindness, strength, generosity and unwavering love for his family leave an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In addition to his wife and 4 children listed above, Jody is survived by his mother Ann (Lukins) Black & husband David Black, his father Joseph Elston & wife Suzanne (Cook) Elston, his sister, Jacqueline (Elston) & husband Craig Carter and nephews Grayson and Kellan. He is also survived by his step brothers Nathan & wife Jennifer Givens and family, Michael & wife Kathryn Black and family, Thomas Black & Velma, his step sisters Candy Givens and Jenna Black and his brothers and sisters in law Tom & Janet Schultheis and family, Rick & Charmaine Schultheis and family, Jim and Jackie Schultheis and family, Ed Schultheis & Lynette Shekell and family, Ken & Janet Schultheis and family, Don & Lisa Schultheis and family, John & Maria Schultheis and family and Beth (Schultheis) & Jim Burger and family. Jody is also survived and deeply missed by his 4 dogs- Bowie, Jovie, Saylor and Gus.

A celebration of life will be held at Brentwood Roesch-Patton Funeral Home in Brentwood, Tennessee on July 20, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the education fund that has been created for Jody & Jennifer’s four children to continue the education options that Jody worked tirelessly to provide so that his children could thrive. The family is incredibly grateful for any support for the children’s education and know that Jody would choose to honor his memory in this way.

There are 2 options to make a donation:

Venmo @elstonedfund

Last 4 confirmation digits are 3252. There are several copy cat scam accounts so please be certain you have the right one before sending via Venmo.

Or you may securely mail a check made out to Edward Jones and write “Elston Kids” in the memo line, sent to:

Edward Jones

For Elston Children’s Education Fund

608 SE 2nd Street

Evansville, IN 47713

A direct check is the preferred method for any significant contributions.