Gary R. Elwell, 73, died suddenly on Monday, April 25, 2022 at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis. Gary was born to the late Ted and Elnora Elwell on January 22, 1949 in Knightsville, Indiana. Gary was a gentle quiet man with a kind heart. People who knew him respected and appreciated his honesty.
Gary grew up in Knightsville, IN. A place which always remained near and dear to his heart. During those years and throughout his life he had a very special bond with his cousin, Larry Elwell. A big highlight of Gary’s young years was racing go-karts. He excelled at this and won an area championship. Gary loved tinkering with about anything with a motor on it and he was always fixing up old cars.
Gary graduated from Van Buren High School in 1967. While attending Van Buren, Gary started special lifelong friendships with Lee Call and Terry France. After graduation, Gary went on to serve his country in the United States Navy. He worked for General Motors for 30 years before retiring in 1998. Throughout his time at General Motors, he made three lifelong friends, Jimmy Fults (Hip 1), Franch Cody (Big C), and Dave Patrick. In addition to working at General Motors, Gary also was a part time farmer. Riding up and down the fields on his tractor was his idea of heaven on earth. Gary and Karen were blessed with many four-legged animals that always started as strays but quickly became part of the family. Gary and Karen celebrated 46 years together on April 18, 2022
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Connie Adamson, two uncles, Bill Elwell and Rex Elwell and one aunt, Patricia Ward.
Gary is survived by his wife, Karen Cunningham, step mother, Peggy Pierce Elwell, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Roxie Cunningham, nieces, Danielle Blakely (Russ), Casey Clark (Chuckie), Carrie Cunningham (Ben), nephews, Travis Douglas, Andy Cunningham, and Tyler Cunningham (Leesha), cousins, Larry Elwell (Donna), Vicki Atkinson (Frank), and Rexanne Laue (Jerry) as well as several great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at the Harmony Community Center 1518 East US Highway 40 Brazil, Indiana 47834, on June 26, 2022. Services, for all family and friends, will begin at 1:30 PM with visitation following until 5:00 PM.
If so desired, donations can be made to the Clay County Humane Shelter 8280 N County Rd 125 W #7535, Brazil, IN 47834.
Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in his memory.