Sunset Funeral Home

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Harry Edward Elston III

July 14, 1948 - May 8, 2023

Condolences(4)

  1. REPLY
    James (Tim) Elston says

    One of the first things Harry did when he got back from Vietnam was to buy his black 69 Camaro with red striping and a 396 CU 4 on the floor. Yeah, that car would whoop you into the seat cushions. Harry had two speeds; the engine off and fast!

  2. REPLY
    Gary Redick says

    When I was down, Harry was my friend. When life was good, Harry was my friend. The memories you made live on in the hearts of those who knew you. Harry was an honorable man; I will miss you.

  3. REPLY
    Robin (Elston) West says

    There isn’t anyone I know who didn’t look up to your dad. He was one of the kindest, most genuine people I ever met. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
    May you always feel his hand on your shoulder and hear his laugh echo in your heart. Our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your father.
    It’s hard to say goodbye and even harder when it’s to someone like your dad. He was one-of-a-kind and will be missed by everyone.

  4. REPLY
    Michelle says

    He was a great father, grandfather, friend, always there for you caring loved reading. Miss his stories and I will miss those dumb jokes the most.

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Harry Edward Elston III, 74, passed away on May 8, 2023. He was born on July 14, 1948, to Harry Edward Elston Jr. and Ruth Katheryn (Shepard) Elston in Warren, Ohio.

Harry was a United States Army Airborne Ranger during Vietnam serving with Co. H 75th Infantry Ranger regiment and Co E 52nd Infantry LRRP with 1st Calvary Division. He served with honor and distinction to receive multiple purple hearts and a Combat infantry badge within his service to his country.  Harry made friends all over. He was a motorcycle-loving hippy when he wasn’t riding in his ’69 Camaro that he loved in his younger years. The call-sign of “Hippy” was one earned in Vietnam, which had stuck for some time when he had been discharged. He was an avid gun owner, knife collector, and enthusiast of anything in that realm. Because of his service, he was a great outdoorsman, in which, he enjoyed camping and working on cars. More than that, he enjoyed traveling all over with his daughter, Ashley. He was a thrill seeker and always had a good joke up his sleeve. He loved music, especially rock & roll. He was known always to have a book, and in time, turned into a kindle, that he took with him everywhere. A true book lover and information seeker, a passion he shared with his daughter. He shared his love for sci-fi and fantasy with friends and family alike. Harry’s grandson, Abel, was the center of his world in his later years. Harry tried to do the best he could in being the greatest grandfather to him, and he succeeded in his time here. Harry loved spending time with his family. A loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and overall amazing man who will be missed immensely. The world lost a great man and America has lost an exceptional soldier.

Harry is survived by his daughter Ashley Alexander (Elston) and her son Abel Stackhouse; siblings Mike Elston, James Elston, Gary Elston, Susan Elston; cousins Bill Elston, David Elston, Robin West, Jeff Elston, Robert Blume; nephew and nieces Casey Ryan (Samantha), Stacie Ryan, Kellie Owen, Joseph Campo, Angela Widmann; great-nephew Hunter; great-niece Suzy Campo; best friend/brother Dave Greenlee; his buddy and dog Easy; and numerous loving extended family and friends.

Harry is preceded in death by his parents Harry Edward Elston Jr. and Ruth Katheryn Elston and bonus mom Jane Elston; grandparents Harry Elston Sr. and Ruth Elston; best friend/brother Ricky Ryan; grandson Ryker Alexander; and his beloved dog Blue.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.