Elwood E. “Woody” Cavender, 89, of Piqua, joined his Lord and Savior at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Hospice of Miami County. He was born March 26, 1936 in Union Township to the late Henry H. and Hazel M. (Weaver) Cavender. He married S. Elaine Tamplin February 29, 1964 in Piqua; and she preceded him in death June 14, 2022.
Survivors include a son, Eric (Krystal) Cavender of Troy; a daughter, Diane (Larry) Matthews of Troy; six grandchildren, Erica (Phil) Wilson, Kayla (Clint) Lamb, Megan (Steven) Berger, Erik Matthews, Keith Matthews, Claire Matthews; three great grandchildren, Abrielle and Adeline Lamb, Andrew Wilson; a brother, Gaylord Cavender of Troy; and a sister, Constance Walker of Piqua. He was preceded in death by four brothers; three sisters; and a son, Kurt Cavender.
Woody was a 1955 graduate of Miami East High School. He worked for over 40 years as a machinist for Hobart P.M.I. before his retirement in 1997. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a longtime member of the Piqua Church of the Brethren where he was involved in many initiatives and projects. He enjoyed spending his time outdoors, especially working on his home and planting flowers in his beautiful flower garden. Additionally, he enjoyed mushroom hunting and fishing. He loved to work with his hands and was an accomplished carpenter; a hobby which he enjoyed in his retired years.
A service to honor his life will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2025 at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Lutz officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00-1:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions, in Woody’s name are suggested to the Piqua Church of the Brethren, 525 Boal Ave. Piqua, OH 45356 or Hospice of Miami County, Inc. 3230 N. County Rd. 25A Troy, OH 45373. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com