L P McElroy

L P McElroy, 97, of Woodburn, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026.

Born December 13, 1928, in Allen County, Kentucky, he was the son of George McElroy and Nova Marie McElroy. The longest living of nine children - Harold, Nokel, Clotis ("Tobe"), Darrell, Earlene, Sybil, Evada, and Bernice - he learned early the values that would define his life: frugality, faithfulness, dependability, hard work, and quiet strength.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Mechelle McElroy. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy Wilson McElroy; his son, Mark Kevin McElroy who is married to DeAnn Pinkard McElroy; his grandchildren, John Mark McElroy and Jordan Marie McElroy.

He began working full-time on the family farm at the age of 12, helping his father. From that point forward, work was never something he avoided - it was simply what he did. He seldom grew rattled, never quit before the job was finished, and his word was his bond without question.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a communications specialist just behind the front lines of battle. After returning home, he and Nancy moved to Indianapolis, where he worked 14 years in assembly line manufacturing and heavy equipment construction while raising their family and carefully saving to purchase a farm of their own.

In 1969, they bought the farm they would steward for more than five decades. He became known as an efficient and tireless caretaker of land, livestock, and harvest. He enjoyed any work that put him outdoors and any animal that did not have to live in the house - cattle, horses, pigs, dogs, cats, chickens, guineas, ducks, and geese. There was always a faithful dog nearby. He was an original do-it-yourselfer long before it was fashionable.

He was a member of Woodburn Baptist Church since 1975, where he served as a deacon. He developed a quiet reputation for helping those in need without fanfare - caring for their livestock, assisting with construction, or simply showing up with steady presence and capable hands. His faith was sincere and lived more than spoken.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary and compassionate care provided by Southern Kentucky Hospice, whose team walked faithfully alongside both Lisa last July and L.P. in these final days.

Visitation will be held at Woodburn Baptist Church on Monday, February 23 from 4-7pm, and Tuesday, February 24 from 1:00pm until the funeral services at 3pm. Burial to follow will be at Woodburn City Cemetery.

For those who prefer, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice Southern Kentucky in lieu of flowers.