Perry D. McElwee

Perry Dean McElwee, 81, of Camp Point, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Quincy’s Blessing Hospital.

Born on December 14, 1943, in Hannibal, Missouri, he was the son of Harold and Mildred McElwee. Perry married Lenore Ruffcorn (deceased December 30, 2024) on November 24, 1963, in Quincy.

After working for various relatives on the farm near Palmyra, MO, Perry was very active in various positions in and around Quincy. Perry was a welder/electrician for Electric Wheel for 23 years until it closed. He then owned his own car sales and landscaping business before taking a position with Jacks Discount for 6 years. He then worked for Home Depot for 18 years until he retired. What started as a hobby of working on lawnmowers then turned into another small business, Perry’s Lawnmower Shop, until he fully retired.

Perry was an active volunteer throughout his life. He was a volunteer for the Adams County First Responders as an ambulance driver for 25 years. Perry coached a bit of baseball, his favorite sport, and was a long-term Boy Scout leader where he led his two sons and six others to the rank of Eagle Scout. Perry also held various volunteer positions within the Church, Community for Christ Assistance Center, and was Columbus Township Trustee.

A dedicated member of Faith Baptist Church in Camp Point, Perry enjoyed mowing lawns, working on antique tractors and lawnmowers, deer hunting, and fishing.

Perry is survived by his children: James McElwee (Dianne) of Kansas City, MO; Randy McElwee of Monmouth, IL; Teri McElwee of Golden, IL; and Susan McElwee of Ohio. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Stormy Dawn Gonzalez of Kansas City, MO, Josie Marie McElwee and Jacob Tyler McElwee both of Monmouth, IL, Cherokee Stopher and Isaiah McElwee, both of Quincy, and one great-grandchild, Haisley Stopher. Perry was an only child.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Lenore, and his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Camp Point, with Rev. Tom Robbins officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Camp Point. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the church and Saturday morning from 9:30 until the time of services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or Golden Good Shepherd Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.hamiltonfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements are being handled by the Lummis Hamilton Funeral Home in Camp Point.