John McElwain

John McElwain, age 78, of Galesburg, Illinois formerly of Gilson, Illinois died at 12:10 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg, Illinois. He was born on September 6, 1946 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Keith E. and Inez M. (Johnson) McElwain. He attended Bradley University for three years. He married Judith M. Glowacki on October 22, 1976 in Toulon, Illinois. Surviving is his wife, Judith of Knoxville, Illinois; two sons: Adam K. (Mary) McElwain of Abingdon, Illinois and Eric H. McElwain of Gilson, Illinois; his sisters, Margaret (Charles) Wilson of Jacksonville, Illinois and Edith (Rodger) Harrison of Severna Park, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents. John chose to leave a high paying job at Caterpillar in Peoria to move to the country and take over farming on the family farm. This choice showed both high integrity and character. His family would not have wanted anything else other than to live on the McElwain Farm. It was a privilege for his sons to grow up and live there. John was a very hard worker who valued providing for his family. At one time he was both working full time at Burlington Northern Railroad and working full time as a farmer. He was also highly intelligent, funny and honest. He valued nature, old movies, sports, grilling out, and gardening. He also valued living a humble life while fully enjoying the little things. John will be dearly missed by his family and many others. Private ceremony will be held at the Abingdon Cemetery in Abingdon, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois has been entrusted with his wishes. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.