Woodson Ely

Woodson "Woody" Ely, 81, of Coal Valley, died Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at Trinity Medical Center, Rock Island. Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Coal Valley. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in National Cemetery on the Rock Island Arsenal. Memorials may be given to the Animal Aid Society 239 50th Street, Moline, Illinois 61265. Woodson Ely was born February 3, 1923 in White Plaines, New York, son of John William and Evelyn (Gates) Ely. He married Barbara Consdorf September 8, 1945 in Luxembourg, Europe. His beloved Barbara died December 26, 1988. Woody served in the U.S. Army during WW II and was Knighted by the Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg. He lived in Luxembourg and Germany for 18 years working for the American government. Woody was the head of the Command small business office at the Rock Island Arsenal and retired from there in 1983. Woody's hobbies included being a successful car racer in Germany in the 1950's and 1960's. He was the President of the American Touring & Motor sports Association. Later in life he enjoyed playing his guitar with his friends. He was a talented woodworker and built custom made guitars using exotic woods. Woody was an animal lover and enjoyed family and friends and was especially proud of his two grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Rosewood Nursing Home for all the good care that Woody received. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Woody and Michele Ely of Coal Valley; two grandchildren, Jeanette and Jay Ely both of Coal Valley; and his sister, Kay Wallace of Thornwood, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bill.