Freeport, Ill. - Louis Elwood, 83, was born Jan. 19, 1926, in Detroit, Mich. to Mattie Brown. He left this world on April 17, 2009, after he fought a courageous 17-month battle to recover from severe injuries sustained in a Nov. 2007 car accident in Louisiana.
He joined the Navy at an early age and served in World War II. After being discharged from the Navy, Louis loved serving so much he joined the Coast Guard and enjoyed seeing the world. He was an adventurer and loved to explore.
He then moved to Chicago. He married Addie Martin on Dec. 18, 1948. Together they had six children.
He moved to Freeport in 1972 and was employed at Micro Switch and Kelly Springfield where he retired in 1988.
He made the Brewster High Rise his home for the past 15 years and served as a trustee, assisting and showing love for his neighbors.
He loved fishing and taking his boat on the Mississippi River to see the outdoors. His favorite past time was driving, and he was always willing to be a riding buddy after the loss of his ability to drive. If not riding in a car, he was also known to be walking around town with two canes. He also loved to eat out at many local restaurants with family and friends.
We will miss his warm, kind smile which would light up the room. He left to cherish his loving memory three daughters, Anita Elwood of Atlanta, Georgia, Iris (Rickey) Pruitt of Freeport, and Dorothy Hunter of Rockford; five sons: Barney (Carol) Elwood of Freeport, Anthony (Mary) Elwood of Country Club Hills, Beyeric Elwood of Chicago, Johnny Mason of Lexington, Kentucky, Joshua Humphries of Nashville Tenn.; over 20 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, brother, son Lynn Elwood, and special friend Marilyn Prinkey.
A funeral service is planned Thursday, April 23, at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Peace at Oakland Cemetery & Mausoleum, 2619 W. Pearl City Road in Freeport. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Immediately following the service, food and refreshments will be served at The Monroe Center, Orin St. in Freeport.