Alan Richard Elwell

Alan R. Elwell, 91, of Bath and Port Orange, Florida passed away peacefully at Maine Veterans’ Home on April 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.  Alan, affectionately known as “Big Al,” was born in Bath in 1932 to Floyd M. and Alice (Borth) Elwell and attended Morse High School. Patriotic from the start, 17-year-old Alan convinced his mother to sign his military enlistment papers in 1950 so he could join the US Army to fight in the Korean War. When she later tried to rescind her permission, he hid the paperwork until he could officially file it at the Army recruiting office.
After basic training at Fort Bragg, he was assigned to the 82 nd Airborne. After completing jump training at Fort Benning, he became part of the 11 th Airborne, and later, was chosen to be part of the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team.  He was deployed to Korea, where he served honorably, earning his 187 th Airborne Wings after 17 jumps—four in combat situations. He was a tried-and-true veteran, and his unwavering love and respect for his country continued throughout his life.
After completing his tour, Alan returned to Bath and to school. He completed high school in 1954, becoming the first Korean War veteran to graduate from Morse High School.  A sheet metal worker by profession, he owned and operated Elwell’s Sheet Metal in Bath for nearly 50 years. A natural tradesman, he took great pride in his work, and expanded his sheet-metal skills to include roofing and siding expertise. A tireless worker, he later bought and managed several local rental properties. He was a lifetime member of the Bath Elks club, and at the time of his death, was its
longest-serving member.
In 1959, Alan wed the love of his life, Mary Ann (Grady) Elwell, whom he called his “inspiration,” and together they raised six children. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage, until Mary Ann died in 2011. In addition to his wife, Alan was predeceased by his son Grady; grandson Brian Lutz; and siblings Dorothea Marks, Marilyn Mendenhall, Robert Perry, and Floyd M. Elwell, Jr.

Alan is survived by five children: Maureen, Michael (Nancy), Brenda, Lisa, and Alan (Traycee); his daughter-in-law Beth Kassab; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Frederick (Analou) Elwell, Marion (Bob) Beveridge, and Richard (Stephanie) Elwell.
Alan’s children invite family and friends to visitation hours at the Desmond Funeral Home on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 144 Lincoln St. in Bath, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024. Immediately following the mass, an interment ceremony with full military honors will take place at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta, Maine. Contributions in Alan’s memory can be forwarded to the Maine Veterans’ Home, at 290 US-1, Scarborough, Maine, 04074.
Further, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Bath Country Club, 387 Whiskeag Rd., Bath, Maine, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 2:00-5:00p.m.
To share thoughts or memories with Alan’s family, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.desmondfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Desmond Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath, Maine.

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