Elwood Thomas Tryon, 89, of Columbus, died peacefully on December 22, 2023, with his wife by his side holding his hand. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Verda Tryon, who was the center of his being. He devoted his life to loving her, laughing with her, and tenderly taking care of and doting on her.

He also leaves behind Patty Juneo, Mary Benson (formerly Chiodo), Angela Kiel and Jordynn Filing, who were all very special to him, as well as many wonderful friends including former neighbors Bill and Patti Donnelly and Myra and Kelly Sparks. He is preceded in death by his sons, Wayne Chiodo and Todd Tryon, his parents Joel and Anna Marie Tryon, his brother Glenn Tryon, and his sister-in-law and her husband Charlotte and Alfred Morgan.

Elwood received his Bachelor's degree from Montclair State and his M.B.A from Rider College. He served in the U.S. Army in a special detachment assigned to the Pentagon. He retired from the Hamilton Board of Education after 30 years of service as an educator, where he also coached baseball and golf. Elwood was an active parishioner at St. Mark Lutheran Church, where he joyfully sang in the choir every Sunday. He was also a member of the Mount Moriah Lodge for over 59 years and maintained a close friendship with his lodge brother Ed Peppler.

A Memorial Service for Elwood will be celebrated 12 pm Friday, January 5 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 350 Whitehorse Ave., Hamilton, NJ. Friends may call from 11 am until the time of service at the church. Masonic Services and Military Honors will precede the religious service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Bordentown, NJ.