Elwood Stuart Obituary (1923 - 2011)

J. Elwood Stuart, 87, of Grove City, IL died at 2:40 pm Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Prairie Rose Nursing Home, Pana. He was born in Taylorville on June 28, 1923 and was the youngest of 6 children born to William E. and Ida Jane Neer Stuart. Elwood married Julia Ellen Hobbs on Just 17, 1952 in Taylorville. He worked at the Georgia Pacific Paper mill for 31 years, and was know by many there as "Hoppy". He also owned and operated his own backhoe service for several years. Elwood was a member of the Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church. He was a life-long supporter of the Mt. Auburn community. He will be remembered for his love of horses, his quick wit and one of a kind personality, his ever-present smile and his signature laugh. He was the first to tell you a joke as well as the first to lend a hand when needed. He is survived by his wife Julia; 2 sons: William Stuart and wife Shirley of Mt. Auburn and Stephen Stuart and wife Marilyn of Grove City 2 Granddaughters: Karen Beck and husband Dean of Edinburg and Rachel Stuart of St. Louis, MO; 2 step-grandchildren: Brent Milburn of Mt. Auburn and Tracy Elam and husband Jason of Mt. Auburn: 3 step-great grandchildren, and two nephews: Gary Butcher and wife Cheryl of Mt. Auburn and Jack Showalter and wife Donna of Illiopolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, 4 sisters, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, January 20 at Grove City Cemetery with Rev. George Heinemann officiating. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.