Elwood D. Kightlinger

Elwood D. Kightlinger, 84, Grants Pass, passed away at his home on Memorial

Day, May 28 surrounded by his family. Elwood, was born November 2, 1922 in New

Kensington, Pennslyvania, the son of Raymond H. Kightlinger and Emma (Schwenk)

Kightlinger. They later moved to Closter, New Jersey. Elwood, “Woody” was a World

War II veteran serving in the 5th Marine Division of the U.S. Marine Corps in the

Asiatic-Pacific area from 1942-1946. He was wounded at Iwo Jima and Guadacanal,

and also received a Bronze Star. In 1947, Woody began working at Public Service Gas

and Electric Company (PSE&G), as a Service Technician. He married the former

Blanche Ruth Boland in Cresskill, New Jersey on January 29, 1949 and together they

raised seven children in Westwood, New Jersey. After 30 years with PSE&G, Woody

retired in 1978, and in 1990, moved to Grants Pass. He was a member of the B.P.O.E.

Elks and the Fifth Marine Division F2-26: Survivors of Iwo Jima. Woody loved to do

small projects around the home, travel, shop for bargains, and spend time with family.

He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and in his

service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Blanche Kightlinger of Grants Pass, his

seven children: Patricia Mac Millan, Fair Haven, New Jersey, Janice Ebel, Rogue River,

David Kightlinger, Hugo, Laura Ryan, Oakdale, New York, Steven Kightlinger, Grants

Pass, Sharon McHugh, Southold, New York, and John Kightlinger, Grants Pass; and his

brother, Warren Kightlinger, Fresno, California. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren,

and 2 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 31, 10:00 AM in the Chapel at

Hillcrest Memorial Park, 945 NE Hillcrest Drive, Grants Pass.