Curtis L. Whitson , age 68 of Elwood, passed away peacefully at home Oct. 8, 2024 surrounded by his family after fighting an extended battle with cancer.  He was born Oct. 18, 1955 to Lonnie R. and Enid J. (Merritt) Whitson in Elwood and grew up in Frankton, Indiana.  He was a 1974 graduate of Frankton High School.  He also spent two years attending John H. Hinds Vocational School in Elwood where he developed his passion for construction in the Building Trades program.

Curt married the love of his life, MaryEllen Kilgore, on May 26, 1978, and they shared over 46 years of marriage together.  He worked as a Millwright Supervisor for 36 years at M.K. Betts Engineering and Contracting Company in Anderson before retirement in 2015.  Curt also spent 3 years managing a service center on the Florida Turnpike right after high school.  He was a member of Indiana-Kentucky Carpenters Union #1016.

Curt enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing and just spending time outdoors.  He designed and proudly built his family's home and later his barn after retirement.  Curt took great pleasure in working on many projects in his barn.  He loved classic cars and owned 1971 and 1965 Corvettes, as well as a red 1969 Chevelle.  Curt formerly attended First United Methodist Church in Elwood and recently attended Grace Community Church in Elwood.  Curt's greatest pleasure was being with his family, especially while attending countless sporting events for his children and grandchildren.  "Pop" will surely be missed from his spot on the bleachers and the sidelines.

Left to cherish his memory along with his wife, MaryEllen, are three children: Clinton (Jennifer) Whitson of Greenwood, Clayton Whitson (Brittanie Middleton) of Anderson, and Kelsey (J.R.) Fowler of Fishers; 5 grandsons, Coen, Carter, and Cale Whitson of Greenwood, and Riley and Rowen Fowler of Fishers; sister, Tonda Fowler of Ball Ground, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Carol Hudson of Anderson and Janet Stover of Elwood; brother-in-law, Phil Ogden of Elwood; nieces and nephews, Susan (Larry) Hill of Noblesville, Mike Ogden of Elwood, Brad Compton of Marshall, IL, Brent (Jennifer) Compton of Dennison, IL, Angela (Scott) Weins of Frankton, Lynzy (Grant) Richey of Indianapolis, Todd Fowler of Dawsonville, GA, and Kila (David) Atcheson of Ball Ground, GA; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.  Curt was preceeded in death by his parents; in-laws, Milo "Mike" and Dorothy Kilgore; sisters-in-law, Judy Gillam and Cathy Ogden; and brother-in-law, Mike Fowler.

A funeral celebrating Curt's life and legacy will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood officiated by Curt's son, Dr. Clint Whitson, along with family members.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery with Pastor Bill Johnston officiating the committal service. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 8 pm on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hinds Career Center in Elwood through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.