Elijah Dow Stickley

URBANA - Elijah Dow Stickley, 21, of Urbana, Ohio passed July 5, 2018 as a result of an automobile accident. The son of Todd Kenneth and Hope Ellen Stickley, he was born July 18, 1996 along with his twin sister Moriah Faith, in Springfield, Ohio.

The strength of Eli's relationships with Jesus, family and friends encapsulates what meant most to him. Along with his parents, sister, future brother-in-law Alex Marinelli, and girlfriend Briana Cleveland, he is survived by his maternal grandparents Larry and Judy Domigan, paternal grandparents Dan and Janet Stickley, Aunts and Uncles - Daniel and Stacia Domigan, Amanda and Chad Roll, Polly and Jim Jordan, Andy and Jill Stickley and Zach and Jessica Stickley. Eli was blessed to grow up with many cousins on Nettle Creek Rd. and cherished an enormity of memories. Surviving cousins are Olivia and Hannah Roll, Rachel and Chris Salisbury, Ben and Kelly Jordan, Jessie and Jarrod Uthoff and Isaac Jordan, Elizabeth and Katherine Salisbury, Justin Stickley and J.D. Stickley, Garrett Stickley, Lydia Stickley and Isaiah Stickley and many brothers in the wrestling community.

Eli and Moriah were homeschooled by their mom and graduated from Graham High School in 2015. Growing up, Eli started wrestling in third grade and later enjoyed serving as a wrestling camp counselor, several years of 4-H, cross-fit, hunting and fishing – especially going on the cousin guys' trips to Canada, that he referred to as the "Promised Land". Eli was a stand-out member of the Graham wrestling team where he was team captain his junior and senior years, ended his high school career a four-time state placer, an Iron Man champion in 2012, and a state wrestling champion in 2014.

His most recent years were spent at the University of Wisconsin majoring in Life Science Communications with a pre-chiropractic route and a proud member of the Badger Wrestling team. Eli was a NCAA qualifier, Big Ten placer, an Academic All-American wrestler and displayed the true characteristics of a student athlete. He was heavily involved in Athletes in Action where he dedicated his time as both a student and a leader. After completing chiropractor school Eli planned on opening his own practice, Chiro-Fit, in Colorado incorporating the Four C's – chiropractic, cross-fit, coffee, and CHRIST.

Eli was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Bellefontaine and attended Blackhawk Church in Madison, Wisconsin.

Eli was a tissue donor through Gift of Hope. His smile, positive attitude, and servant's heart for Christ are the trademarks that he leaves with us.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday July 14, 2018 in the Calvary Baptist Church, 1140 Rush Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 with Pastor Jeff Willetts officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Eli to Athletes in Action, Eli Stickley Memorial Fund, 651 Taylor Drive, Xenia, Ohio 45385. Checks can be made to Athletes in Action.

Services are entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana and condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.