Elwood Worrie DeBrot, 86, of Hesperia, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026, after a three-month rapid decline with dementia. Elwood DeBrot (Al or Woody) passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, friendship, and a love to talk.

Elwood was born to Alva and Beulah (VanDyke) DeBrot, on September 2, 1939, the eldest of four children. He was followed by Ron (Sue Ann), Linda (Leigh Ferguson), and Richard (Debbie).

In 1963, Elwood married Judy Archer. Together they were blessed with three children: Scott (Mary Jo), Cheryl (Mark) Varble, and David (Monica), along with three precious granddaughters, Sam, Kira, and Andrea.

Elwood spent his professional life as an engineer, designing everything from a prototype small motorhome, a hydraulic kiosk, to cranes in Ohio, gas pumps, and landing gear for truck trailers. But his heart was always closer to the land. He loved being outdoors on one of his tractors, working the fields, harvesting asparagus, growing pumpkins, and tending his garden.

Retirement opened the door to another passion: music. Elwood picked up his old guitar and started playing again. Then came a better guitar...and another guitar...followed by a banjo and a dobro. He loved to jam whenever possible and made many wonderful friends through the years.

And then there were the tractors. Elwood collected 1/16-scale tractors until they took over a room—and even closet space—in the house. They came in red, green, orange, and, yes, even blue. Apparently, there was always room for one more tractor.

Late summers brought some of Elwood and Judy's favorite adventures. With good friends, the Carter family, they headed to the U.P., seeking out the roughest roads (per woody) and most forgotten places for ATV riding. Andy, David, and Scott would join the fun, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Family traditions were especially important to Elwood. Deer hunting at the North Forty with the DeBrot clan began in his youth and continued with younger generations, along with the stories. The annual Archer reunions, often held at the homestead Elwood and Judy shared, were another highlight. There were hayrides, with Elwood carefully planning the route and happily driving the tractor, along with overnight guests, good food, laughter, and plenty of time together. Elwood wanted everyone to feel welcome and to have a good time.

As his health declined, Elwood told his family that he knew he was dying. On July 24, with a desire to receive Christ as Lord, Elwood knelt and asked for his sins to be forgiven, accepting Jesus into his life. Those closest to him witnessed evidence of a changed heart and a new creation in Christ.

Elwood will be remembered for his love of family, the land, music, tractors, adventure, and, above all, his faith. His life was well lived, his stories will be retold, and his tractors will surely be remembered as a collection that got just a little out of hand.

All praise to the King of kings.

if you wish to honor Elwood's memory, consider sharing your faith, your love, and smile with someone who so desperately needs you. Be that voice, that one that makes a difference. Our church at Newman has made that difference in our lives and we are eternally grateful. 

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Newman Christian Community Church, 4075 132nd Avenue, Hesperia, MI 49421. Visitation will be held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Friday, August 28, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Avenue, Shelby, MI 49455.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com