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Elwood McBride Obituary
Indianapolis - Elwood Leon McBride, lovingly known as Woody, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 30, 2020, at the age of 93. Woody was born to Edward and Edna McBride on January 9, 1927 in Washington, Indiana, the brother to Robert McBride. Woody's childhood was most defined by a love for the Lord, family and basketball, and not necessarily in that order. Constructing a basketball goal in the chicken yard behind his home, he perfected his jump shot late into the night, going on to star for the Washington Hatchets and Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis). A well-rounded athlete, he was inducted to the UIndy Hall of Fame for both basketball and baseball. During college, Woody served during WWII and the Korean War. He married his college sweetheart and "the love of his life," Geraldine Chandler, in 1949. Woody furthered his love of the game by turning down the opportunity to try out for professional basketball and instead pursuing his call to teach and coach young people in the sport. He worked as a teacher and coach in Reelsville and Sullivan, Indiana, and Manual High School in Indianapolis.
To those who knew Woody, his competitive spirit in the sports arena was remarkably balanced by his gentle kindness off the court. His intensity was equally displayed in basketball, golf, cornhole, or a family game of "Apocalypse Aggravation". He was generous to a fault, incredibly strong and fiercely dedicated, yet humble in his sense of his place on earth. He was a man before his time - an example of marriage as a partnership, respect and opportunities for women, and he believed that all people, regardless of the color of their skin, are equally important and valued. He will be missed, but his mark on this world has been left on those he knew and loved throughout his journey. Woody was predeceased by Gerrie after nearly 65 years of marriage. He is survived by children Kim (Eric) Haaff, Karen (Bill) Christensen, Kelly (Bill) Bane; grandchildren Joel (Catie) Haaff, Kyle Haaff, Cara Christensen (Adrian), Andrew Christensen, Brian Bane, Madeline Bane, Brandt Bane; and special friend Dorothy Weaver.
Private family services for Woody McBride are Friday, November 6. Arrangements entrusted to Singleton and Herr Mortuary and Memorial Center, 7602 Madison Ave. Indianapolis 46227. Online condolences at singletonandherrmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to The Woody and Gerrie McBride Scholarship at University of Indianapolis (online or to UINDY Office Of University Advancement, 1400 E. Hanna Blvd. Indianapolis, Indiana 46227) or to University Heights United Methodist Church (4002 Otterbein Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227).
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Memories and Condolences
for Elwood McBride
Peggy Romero
November 22, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. McBride, thank you for being a wonderful teacher. May God Bless You. I had him for a business class. Class of 1963 Peggy Maynard Romero
Glenn Thompson
November 6, 2020
I WAS A 1966 GRAD. OF MANUAL AND REMBER HIM WELL COACHING BASKETBALL. I WAS IN R.O.T.C. SO I WAS AT MUST OF ALL GAMES. GREAT COACH AND PERSON. A FINE MANUAL H.S. FAMILY MEMBER.
Sharan Alford
November 6, 2020
I just learned of my dear cousin's passing from the Indy Star! Our lives didn't cross much, however, I had the pleasure of playing a round of golf with him a couple of years ago! Thank you for that opportunity and I will carry those memories with me!! My Mother always spoke highly of Woody and with my connection to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, I know he was reverend in that sport! Most of all Woody was a man of God all through his life, so our family will reconnect with him some day!! God's Blessings to his children and entire family!!
Doug Burton
November 5, 2020
I remember the even tempered enthusiasm that he coached with at basketball camps. Such a good coaching role model and man. If the measure of a parent is the children that they raise, then Woody and Gerri excelled there, as all the kids are some of the finest people to pass through my life. I wish the family many wonderful memories of a life so well lived!
Mike and Starla Hilgert
November 5, 2020
Wonderful memories of Woody! Our heartfelt condolences to his family! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
-Mike and Starla Hilgert, friends from UHUMC
Barry Smith
November 5, 2020
The best teacher and coach I ever knew.
Barry Smith Manual '62
Darol Davie
November 5, 2020
To the McBride family.
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Mr McBride. I remember him doing my years at Manual. He would come out and play basketball with us before we started practicing. I will always cherish those memories. I bought a Lincoln mks a few years ago. And the name on the old title was Elwood McBride I often wondered was this his car. Family we appreciate and respected Mr McBride. And won't you all to know the family is in my prayers.
May God Bless You All
Richad Cooper
November 4, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Diana Hiatt
November 4, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Cindy Gapen
November 4, 2020
The earth has lost a rare and good man! Heartfelt condolences to his wonderful family.
Perry Cobb
November 4, 2020
Woody was a great coach and a great person. I don’t think I realized how great until years after my senior year at Manual in 64-65. His even-temperament and low-key approach toward us (unless he needed to get fired up, and he sometimes did) were key to his coaching strategies. He was my head coach for 2 JV years and 1 varsity year and I will never forget his influence on me. My sincere condolences to his entire family
Kay Parrott Chitwood
November 4, 2020
I had Mr. Mr. McBride in high school for a Business class. I wonderful teacher and man. He made a boring class fun and entertaining and you learned a lot from him. May he rest in peace.
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