Lester Elwell

Lester “Les” Elwell, 73, of St. Joseph, passed away, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. Private Family Celebration of Life Services were held due to COVID-19 precautions. Donations can be made in memory of Les Elwell to the REACH Foundation, (Reaching Excellence through Academic and Challenging Heights) 3276 Snyder Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Those wishing to sign Les’ Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Les was born January 17, 1948 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Marvin & Priscilla (Austin) Elwell. He graduated from Climax Scotts High School in Climax, Michigan, Class of 1966 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees in Social Work from Western Michigan University. On June 7, 1997, Les was married to the former Audrey Morris at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Benton Harbor by Rev. Emery Varrie & Audrey’s brother Rev. Dr. Edward J. Morris, Sr. Les was employed his entire career in social work, beginning at St. Joseph Public Schools, followed by Riverwood Mental Health Center, and retired from Benton Harbor Area Schools. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in St. Joseph and the Twin City Camera Club. Les’ faith was a very important part of his life. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in his youth. In his free time, Les enjoyed photography, being outdoors, fly fishing, reading and tracing his families genealogy. He was an advocate for youth and was a devoted husband, father and brother. Les was known for taking photos and making elaborate albums for display and creating lasting memories. Les is survived by his wife of twenty-four years Audrey; two sons-Josh (Nancy) Elwell & Ben Elwell; his niece Psychelia (Vontoba) Terry; siblings-Michael (Marijo) Elwell, Jonathan (Joellen) Elwell, Christine (Tom) Lyster; his brother-in-law Bret Lantis; and his God-daughter Yavonda M. Day. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Michele Lantis.