Elwood  Gest, age 81 of Centreville, passed away  Friday, June 11th, 2010 at the Three Rivers Health Hospital. He was born October 10, 1928,  a son of Ernest and Hazel (Pinny) Gest. On January 16, 1947 he married Edith Mae Melchi in LaGrange, IN. She preceded him in death February 3, 2000. Elwood worked as a machine operator at Nickell Industries formerly Patrick Industries in Middlebury and previously worked many years at Sturgis Iron and Metal as a crane operator. Elwood enjoyed going to the Casinos and garage sales. He also loved woodworking and working at Lil Louie's Pizza.
Surviving are his daughters Linda Pelmear of Arcadia, FL, Connie (Robert) Parker of Centreville, Lori Gest of Three Rivers, sons Michael Gest of Centreville, Jody (Dawn) Gest of Centreville, 7 grandchildren, many Gt. grandchildren and 2 Gt. Gt. grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Edith Gest, son James Gest, grandson James Butcher Sr., 4 brothers Harold, Paul, Roy and Wilbur and a sister Maxine Robbins.
Relatives and friends will be received Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.   at the Eley Funeral Home in Centreville where Religious Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 14th,  with Pastor Clint Zehr, New Covenant Christian Fellowship, Burr Oak, officiating. Interment will be in the Nottawa Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc.