Elster L. McWha: 1916 - 2008
Elster L. McWha, 92, a resident of Blue Lake near Churubusco and formerly of Huntington, died Wednesday afternoon, July 30, 2008, at Grandview Health & Rehab in Martinsville. He had been in declining health after suffering an apparent stroke in February.
Mr. McWha was born in Kirby, Arkansas on April 29, 1916, a son of Jacob and Sarah Jane (Whisenhunt) McWha, and spent his formative years in Arkansas. He moved to Huntington in 1952 and lived there until moving to his present home on Blue Lake in 1983.
A tool and die maker, he retired from H. K. Porter in Huntington in 1979. He was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, near Churubusco, enjoyed fishing in his leisure time, and was a world-class woodworker. During his years in Huntington, he was active with Huntington County United Way.
His marriage took place on May 22, 1954 in Huntington to Dorothy Shaffer. Mrs. McWha preceded him in death on September 3, 1991.
The surviving relatives include his step-son Indiana State Police Superintendent Dr. Paul (Maralee) Whitesell of Martinsville; a brother William McWha of Hot Springs, Ark; a brother-in-law Basil (Linda) Shaffer of Churubusco; and two grandchildren Lt. Collin Whitesell, USMC, and Allison Whitesell.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Saturday, August 2, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Friday from 6 to 8 p. m.
Interment will be in Gardens of Memory, Huntington County.
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August 1st, 2008 at 11:29 pm
“Doc” I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Heather Hoffmann
August 4th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I would like to express my condolences to Paul. I have always been very proud of my uncle Elster and aunt Dot. I have many fond memories of my childhood at their house in Huntington and at the lake. Paul, uncle Elster always expressed, to us, his pride in you and your many accomplishments in this life. He was a man of action, as are you.
I’m sad to hear of his passing…
My thoughts are with you.
August 7th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Our thought and prayers are with and your family.
Paul, I’m sorry about your dad, I just read his obituary on line from the Herald-Press. I wish I would of known before today and my brothers and I would of came to the funeral home. Hope all is going good with you.
Anne, Jeff, Alyssa and Jennifer
Sam, Carolyn, Michael and Timmy
Randy and Judy
August 16th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Paul,I’m so sorry about your loss. I’m sorry I just learned of his illness and passing tonite. I’ve been trying to call him and now I know why he wasn’t answering his phone. Uncle Mac use to say he had only one wife in this life time (Aunt Dot) and now we know they are together again. What a good man he was. He will be greatly missed. Please take care and keep in touch. Your Cousin, Marti