Jeffrey M. Etchison, age 61, of Elwood, passed away May 17, 2017 at his residence following a very sudden illness.  He was born February 10, 1956 in Elwood, the son of Melvin and Mary (Craig) Etchison.  Jeff worked as a contract carpenter for the Laborers Union Local #1112, and worked mainly on bridge and welding projects in the Indianapolis area.  He retired in 2015.  He was a 1974 graduate of Elwood Community High School, and later attained several trade certifications for construction.  He married Rae Ann Abbott in 1990, and she passed away on March 12, 1994 as a result of an automobile accident.  Jeff was a member of East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood.  He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed working on cars; and he was an avid bowler who was active in several local bowling leagues.  Jeff especially enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, and loved grilling outside.  His also liked to watch the American Pickers, Twilight Zone marathons, and programs about paranormal activities.

Jeffrey's family includes his father, Melvin Etchison of Elwood; fiancé and companion of 23 years, Mary Jo Smith of Elwood; 3 daughters, Logan (husband Aaron) Kerr of Elwood, Morgan (husband Doug) Landis of Anderson, and Erin Etchison of Texas; 2 step-children, Jennifer (husband Jake) Taylor of Indianapolis, and Jason (wife Mariah) Smith of Fortville; sister, Lynnette (husband Perry) Carter-Hawkins of Elwood; 2 grandchildren, Maddox and Tristen Picklesimer; 3 step-grandchildren, Austin, Kylie, and Alexis Taylor; cousins, Carolyn (husband Tom) Richardson; and nieces and nephews, Heather Price, Brandon Price, and Wes (wife Amanda) Etchison.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Mary (Craig) Etchison; wife, Rae Ann (Abbott) Etchison in 1994; 2 grandchildren, Kylie Picklesimer and Neil Picklesimer; and a brother-in-law, Clyde Carter.

A memorial service celebrating Jeff's life will be conducted at 6:00pm on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 6pm on Thursday, May 25, 2017 prior to the memorial service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the East Main Street Christian Church through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence to the Etchison family may be made at copherfeslermay.com.