Elwood FranklinBartlett passed away quietly in his sleep on February 28, 2026, at the Crescent City Care Center (formerly known as Crescent City Skilled Nursing) where he spent the last 22 months. Elwood was born on December 26, 1933, to Irving and Dora (Ransdell) Bartlett in Rohnerville. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters and brothers-in-law – Juanita (Ralph) Waggoner, Laberta (Don) Gwin, and Jean (Edward/Bud) Gwin and a niece and a nephew. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Deanna (Johnson)Bartlett, his brother-in-law Rick (Debi) Johnson and sister-in-law Sue Johnson- (Denny) Thissell. He is also survived by 4 nieces and 8 nephews, numerous great-nieces/nephews, and great-great nieces/nephews.

Elwood grew up in Humboldt County. After his mother passed, he lived with his sister Juanita and her family, in Hydesville. After a few years, he lived on the farms where his father was employed. In his high school years, he lived with his sister, Jean and her family, in McKinleyville. Elwood graduated from Arcata High School Class of 1953 and then went to college at Humboldt State for a semester before enlisting in the military. He served his county in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict where he was stationed in Alaska for several years. When he returned to Arcata, he went to work for Simpson Plywood Plant in Arcata until it closed in the 1970s. Elwood went on to finish the working phase of his life as a nighttime security guard at Westwood Commons housing project in Arcata. This was a position that Elwood loved because he could communicate and help a lot of young kids, a number of them without fathers or male role models in their lives. After he retire, young adults (previous kids from the housing project) would come up to him and say, “Elwood you helped put me on a good path in life, Thank you!” He was very proud of this time in his life.

Elwood’s interests were travel; learning about new places and their history; old Hollywood movies and their stars; music and dancing at the Swiss Club on Tompkins Hill; and learning and sharing family history. He always had information to give to anyone that wanted it. He liked helping people. He and his wife were “Volunteers of the Year” several times during their 17+ years at the Senior Resource Center in Arcata. For several years he delivered “Meals on Wheels” in Arcata. Elwood will be missed.

At this time, a Celebration of Life will be held in late April or early May, no date has been set. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Arcata Senior Dining Center, 321 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Pkwy, Arcata, CA 95521.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Elwood Bartlett’s family. TheLost Coast Outpostruns obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.