1913 – 2003

DIXFIELD – John Baptiste Elward, 90, of 2-F Fair Ave., died Tuesday, July 29, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born in Rumford, May 29, 1913, the son of Peter and Justine Theriault Elward, he was educated in local schools, graduating from Stephens High School in the Class of 1933.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the African and European Theaters of Operations with the rank of Cpl. Among his awards and medals was the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Mr. Elward was retired from the maintenance department of the Ethyl Corporation, Rumford Division with more than 45 years of service and was a member of both the 25 and 40-year Clubs of Retired Employees.

He was also a member and past commander of the Robert Shand Post 1641 VFW and served as the quartermaster for many years. The function hall at the local post is named in his honor as the “John B. Elward Hall” and the Napoleon Ouellette Post 24 American Legion.

He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly and enjoyed golf and was very proud of being a member of the VFW, where he was so active for so many years.

On Sept. 25, 1948 he married Helen Winifred Chase.

Surviving besides his wife of 55 years of Dixfield are a daughter, Beverly and her husband, Peter Glover of Dixfield; a son, Peter Elward of Rumford; two grandchildren, Samantha Noyes and Shad Glover; eight great-grandchildren, Alexis and Olivia Noyes, Gabrielle, Joshua, Emma and Delaney Glover, Dakota Brown and Mason Ericson; and a brother, Leo Elward of Roxbury Pond.

He was predeceased by a son, John W. Elward; a granddaughter, Tammy Ericson; two brothers, Lawrence and Omer; and a sister, Dora McMillan.