John E. Conwell, age 88 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at his home following an extended illness.  He was born July 24, 1930 in Elwood, the son of Orville and June (Robinson) Conwell.  John was a 1949 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and was then drafted into the U.S. Army.  He was proud to have served during the Korean War and was stationed in Korea during his wartime service.  John married Marlene R. Gardner on February 5, 1955, and they shared 55 years of marriage together until her passing in 2010.  After returning from the war, John worked at Delco Remy division of General Motors in Anderson as a utility manager for 30 years until retirement in 1980.  He was a member of the Elwood V.F.W and American Legion where he enjoyed years of fellowship with fellow vets.  During retirement, he was also a well-known bartender for several different bars in Elwood.  John enjoyed playing bingo, watching the news, and was especially known for his witty and dry sense of humor.  He loved to tell stories and make people laugh with his sarcasm at every opportunity.  More than anything, John will be remembered as a proud veteran who served his country and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

John's family includes 2 sons, Jeff Conwell and Mike Conwell both of Elwood; daughter, Tamara Etchison of Noblesville; 4 grandchildren, Sean (wife Margarita) Romine, Amy (husband Jim) Ensley, Katie (husband Caleb) Simpson, and Sarah (husband Seth) Simpson; 7 great-grandchildren, Michael Weakley, Jamie Riley, Jesse Ensley, Julie Ensley, Alivia Simpson, Wyatt Simpson, and Josephine Simpson; special friend, Mary Tulowitzki of Elwood; several great great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene R. (Gardner) Conwell in who passed in 2010; 3 sisters, Helen Mart, Thelma Heflin, and Mary Jean Reynolds; and 3 brothers, Bud Conwell, Gene Conwell, and Dick Conwell.

Per John's wishes, a graveside funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at the Elwood City Cemetery in Elwood and will include military honors by the U.S. Army and the Elwood V.F.W. honor guard.  Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home has been entrusted with John's  arrangements.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood V.F.W. through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.