Jeffrey “Jeff” A. Elliott, 70, passed away at 5:41 a.m. on December 9, 2017 at Good Samaritan Hospital. Jeff was born on July 5, 1947 in Portland, IN, the son of Raymond T. and Anna Mae (Rowland) Elliott. He married Brenda Downing on August 18, 1968.
Jeff retired from Vincennes University as Professor of Industrial drafting after 32 years. He graduated from Portland High School in 1965, Vincennes University in 1975, and earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Indiana State University.
Jeff served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1966 to 1972 and achieved the rank of sergeant. Jeff was deeply involved with Boy Scouts, beginning as a youth. He attended a meeting of St. John’s United Church of Christ Boy Scout Troop 273 in 1980 with the intent to assist with the Troop. At the end of the meeting he was the new Scoutmaster and remained as leader for more than 10 years. As a young Boy Scout, Jeff attended his first National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1960. Wanting his son to enjoy the same experiences, Jeff and his son attended the 1985 and 1989 Jamborees. Jeff once again volunteered and attended the 2010 Jamboree. Not only did Jeff serve as Scoutmaster, he served in various roles at the Council level and received awards for his service, including the God and Country award.
Jeff was a member of Franklin Heights Christian Church where he served as Deacon and served on various committees. He was a member of F&AM Lodge No. 1 and Hadi Shrine. Jeff was an avid birdwatcher and enjoyed working in his roses and yard. His favorite pastime was taking his grandchildren fishing and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Elliott of Vincennes, son Chad Elliott and his wife Danielle of Sullivan, daughter Jennifer Woods and her husband Carl of Florence, S.C. Also, grandchildren Logan, Collier and Madison Elliott and Megan and Landen Woods, brother-in-law Donald Garringer of Vincennes and niece Donna Gaul and her husband Robert of Fort Wayne. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and sister Nancy Garringer.
Funeral services for Jeff will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 524 Broadway Street, Vincennes, IN with Rod Carie and Pastor Matthew Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit with Jeff’s family 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Goodwin Funeral Home. There will be a Masonic Service beginning at 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Franklin Heights Christian Church or the Gideons. On-line condolences may be sent to Jeff’s family and friends at goodwinfamilyfh.com.
