Joseph Thomas Elwood Jr. the son of Joseph T. and Gladys (Carper) Elwood was born October 24, 1932 in Red Oak, Iowa. He passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 19 days.

Joseph was raised and attended school at Elliott, IA. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps on February 12, 1952. Joseph served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on Feb 11, 1955. Joseph was united in marriage to Dorothy L. Nelson on April 15, 1955 at Glenwood, IA. They lived in Clarinda from 1955 until 1962, while Joseph was a lineman for Iowa Power and Light. In 1962, Joseph and Dorothy moved to Elliott where he began trucking. From 1977 to 1981, Joseph drove a semi for Star Agri delivering their products. He then drove his own truck until he retired in 2002. Joseph enjoyed his old cars, trips to the casino and he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He also loved to watch old western movies on TV and take care of his perfectly manicured lawn at home.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy on September 22, 2007; brothers: William, Ira "Ike", Dale and Robert; brothers-in-law: Charles Pope, Russell Nelson, Cecil Nelson and Melvin Whitehouse; and sisters-in-law: Janet Hunt, Kathryn Whitehouse, Helga Elwood and Karen Elwood.

Joseph is survived by two daughters: Pamela Sickels of Red Oak, IA and Debra (Randy) Oliver of Stanton, IA; five grandchildren: Brandi Dorscher, Travis Sickels, Crystal Hoose, Chelsea Griffeth and Dylan Griffeth; five great-grandchildren; brothers: Gordon (Mary) Elwood of Glenwood, IA, Warren (Virginia) Elwood of Red Oak, IA and Ed (Vicki) Elwood of Griswold, IA; sisters: Mary Kille of Dumas, TX, Jean Pope of Omaha, NE, Linda (Vern) Gute of Modale, IA and Judy (Bob) Blay of Villisca, IA; brothers-in-law: Leroy Nelson of Greenfield, IA and Norman (Claire) Nelson of Apple Valley, CA; and sisters-in-law: Dorothy Nelson of Elliott, IA, Sandra Elwood of Grand Island, NE, Ardy Elwood of Lincoln, NE, Janie Elwood of Red Oak, IA, and Annie Nelson of Ankeny, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Graveside Services with Military Rites will be held

Monday, September 17, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.

At Hillside Cemetery, Elliott, Iowa

Rev. Caryn Pedersen, Officiating

Visitation with the family will be on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be direct to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends will meet at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home for procession to the cemetery at 9:45 a.m.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.