Elmer Harry Rosebrough

Elmer Harry Rosebrough was born on August 15, 1918, the son of Clifford and Louise Rosebrough and the identical twin brother of Willard. A resident of the westside of Indianapolis, Elmer graduated from Washington High School in 1936 where he was a multi-sport athlete. A true member of the “Greatest Generation,” he enlisted in the US Army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Assigned to the 101^st Airborne Infantry, Elmer was part of the Normandy Invasion and later in the Battle of the Bulge.

When he and Willard returned from the War, they fulfilled their childhood goal by purchasing a retail hardware store. For the next 25 years, they grew City Hardware into a successful business serving thousands of customers. After selling the business in 1967, Elmer began a second career with Indiana Farm Bureau from which he retired. To fill their retirement, Elmer and Willard began building decks, first for family and friends and then for literally hundreds of clients throughout the city. At the age of 85, the Twins built their last deck.

Throughout his career, Elmer was committed to community service. He was a founding member and long-time leader of the Mars Hill Volunteer Fire Department. As a charter member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, he contributed to the growth and development of the congregation. After retirement, Elmer joined his wife Anna as volunteer workers for the Republican Party in Decatur Township.

Elmer was an avid sports fans whose dream came true in 2016 when his beloved Cubs won the World Series. He was an original Colts season ticket holder and closely followed the IU Hoosiers and the Butler Bulldogs. Through all of the past times a 100 years of life can bring, nothing brought more pleasure than spending Sundays surrounded by countless family members and friends.

Surviving are Elmer’s wife of 70 years, Anna, and their three children Dennis (Kyle), Donna Morris (Phil), and Rick. Other family members include seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is at the Flanner and Buchanan Decatur Funeral Center, 5463 Kentucky Avenue on Wednesday, December 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.   Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 13 at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9201 East County Road 100N in Avon, IN with a brief visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m