Donnel E. "Don" Elsworth, age 88 of Elwood, died Tuesday February 19, 2013 at IU Health – Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after an extended illness. He was born March 29,1924 in Delaware County, Indiana the son of Carlos H. and Opal (Sayre) Elsworth. He retired in 1975 from Delco Remy Corporation after working production for 33 years. He graduated in 1942 from Alexandria High School, and later served his country as a pilot in the U.S. Navy flying transports in both the Carribean and South American Theaters during World War II for over three years. Don married Lois Jean Donaldson on August 25, 1944. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood and a member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as an officer for 4 years. Don loved flying and was a licensed airplane pilot. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and woodworking. He also loved attending auctions and was an avid Bridge player.

Don's family includes 2 sons, Stephen (wife Nikki) Elsworth of Indianapolis and Mark (wife Toni) Elsworth of Alexandria; brother, Max (wife Jeanette) Elsworth of Alexandria; 2 sisters, Bonnie (husband Richard) Ellis of Alexandria and Delores Weems of Muncie; 4 grandchildren, Melanie (husband Ed) Foraker of Iowa, Donald Elsworth of Muncie, Sean (wife Rachel) Elsworth of Elwood, and Erika (husband Roger) Hobbs of Alexandria; 3 step grandchildren, Corrie (husband Dan) Rodenbeck, Jack Dillon, and Laura (husband Dave) Close; 7 great-grandchildren, Dayton Elsworth, Noah Elsworth, India Goss, Jacob Elsworth, Matthew Elsworth, Donna Jean Hobbs, and Roark Hobbs; 1 great-great grandson, Brayden Foraker; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of more than 58 years, Lois "Jean" Elsworth who died June 6, 2003; sister, Nila June Myers; and brother, Buddie Carlos Elsworth.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood with Father Dan Duff officiating. Burial will follow in Elwood City Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood and will include a Rosary service at 6:00 PM. Memorials may be made as Mass Intentions through the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be made at: www.copherfeslermay.com.