Richard Elwood

Richard Augustine Elwood was born December 28th, 1937, in Johnson City, New York, where he grew up with his four siblings. While in high school he discovered his love for wrestling which he excelled in. In 1955 he left school and joined the Air Force as a radio mechanic. While in the Air Force he met the love of his life Maxine Huften. They were married in 1960 and spent more than 30 years as they worked together to raise their two children Richard and Debbie. They remained married until her passing in 1991. He spent a few years racing his stock car #113 with his 2 brothers Jerry, Gary, and his brother-in-law Tom. In 1964 he and his family moved to Arizona where he began his career as a meat cutter. After retiring in 1994, Dick pursued a quieter life living with his brother Gary in Tonopah. He enjoyed his life with barbeques, horse riding, beer drinking, and dazzling us while singing his version of Elvira with that incredible voice. He loved quality time with his entire family. He loved to read, watch sports, hunt, fish, and travel with his 5th wheel. He was ‘Uncle Dick’ to many who surely have a good story to tell. He was also a devout Catholic.

After a recent back surgery, he was looking forward to being mobile again, but after a fall we discovered he had cancer. He passed 3 weeks later at his daughter’s home. During this time, he was surrounded by family and friends. He let us know that he enjoyed his life and did everything that he wanted to do.

He is survived by his sister Pat, two children Richard and Debbie, 6 grandchildren Christina, Janel, Sabrina, Joseph, Brandon, and Tiffany, along with 15 great grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life with military honors for Richard will be held Friday, December 9, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Sunland Lakeside Chapel, 15826 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ.

Following will be a committal service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Sunland Cemetery Garden of Gethsemane.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Elwood family.