Furl "Doc" Elzey

Furl "Doc" Dwight Elzey, 86, of Huntington, passed away peacefully at 1:16 am Tuesday, April 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Furl "Doc" was born on October 23, 1937, in Bluffton, IN; the son of Alvin Elzey and Vivian (Davidson) Elzey. He attended Huntington Township High School. Furl "Doc" was a member of the Huntington Moose Lodge #837 and the Mizpah Shriners. In 1957 Furl "Doc" was driving in his car with his sisters and drove up to Charlotte Gressley’s house, he pointed his finger and said I’m going to marry that girl. On June 29, 1957, they were united in marriage. Charlotte is the first to tell everyone about how happy she is spending 66 years loving her wonderful husband. Furl received his nickname “Doc” by his father since he would take things apart and put them back together better than they were. At the age of 15, Doc started setting bowling pins at Rainbow Lanes for 5 cents a game and the bowlers would tip him a penny for each game. He also set bowling pin at the Lafontaine Hotel. Doc worked 6 years at Orton Crane and after the day was done, he went home to eat supper with his family then off to Rainbow Lanes to work. In November of 1963 Doc became the manager of Rainbow lanes. In 1972 while still working at Rainbow Lanes, he also worked at Oak Lanes. He created a partnership with Richard Hall in 1974 and in 1978, Doc and his wife Charlotte (partner in crime) became owners of Rainbow Lanes. Doc was still working on the bowling machines at Rainbow Lanes and giving his children orders on how to run the business while he was in hospice care. Doc worked over 72 years in the bowling business. Doc and his wife Charlotte not only shared partnership in operating Rainbow Lanes, but they also felt it was very important to give back to the community. Their values and standards were recognized by the town of Huntington, and they were granted the title of the “Business of the Month” in July 2018 and 2002 they were awarded “Proprietor of the Year” by the State of Indiana. Doc coached the Huntington North Boys bowling team for several years and led them to their first Indiana State Bowling title. He coached hundreds of youths and adult bowlers, even when they didn’t know they needed help. Not only could he coach, but he was also an incredible bowler that was known for bowling a 300 (perfect game). Doc was inducted into Fort Wayne bowling Hall of Fame in 2003. He had bowled for many years in the Pastime, Hoosier, and Twilight leagues. When bowling season was over, he would take his golf cart, that was not to leave his home and he would drive it down the road to go fishing. He enjoyed putting out a garden, mowing his yard with his tractor, and after a long day you would find Doc sleeping on his porch swing. He had a great sense of humor and loved teasing his grandchildren. Doc was a devoted husband, wonderful provider for his family, and truly an outstanding man. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his loving Wife of 66 years, Charlotte Elzey of Huntington, IN; Two Sons, Steven (Tracey) Elzey of Huntington, IN, Matthew (Jenni) Elzey Sr. of Huntington, IN; Two Daughters, Anna (Steven) Arivett of Huntington, IN, Stacey (Chris) Dresher of Wabash, IN; Three Sisters, Wilma Coffelt of Huntington, IN, Patricia Flora of Huntington, IN, Linda Hughes of Huntington, IN; 16 Grandchildren and 34 Great-Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his Parents, Son, Mark Elzey, Sister, Sarah Keplinger, and Granddaughter, Kayla Dresher. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, April 15, 2024, at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Pastor Jason Fields officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory in Marion. Preferred memorials to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Furl (Doc) Dwight Elzey.

Furl "Doc" Elzey

October 23, 1937 - April 9, 2024