Elton John Bancroft, 79, of Marion, Indiana, passed away at 2:28 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on Saturday, May 11, 1946, to Elton Dubois and Minnie Ruth (Springhall) Bancroft. On May 8, 1971, he married Lynda Christine Engstrom.
Elton worked for many years at ISI Manufacturing in Detroit as a drill press operator. After relocating, he worked for a few years at American Woodmark. He had a lifelong love of history and enjoyed watching the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. Above all, he loved his family deeply and took great pride in supporting and caring for them.
Survivors include his wife, Lynda Christine Bancroft of Marion; daughter, Jill (Timothy) Smith; son, Gregory Bancroft; granddaughter, Amina Bancroft; grandson, Darius Brown; and great‑grandchildren, Denon, Amari, Darius Jr., Ar’Manii, and Ari’Anna.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elton Dubois Bancroft, and his mother, Minnie Ruth Bancroft.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the visitation, a service to celebrate Elton’s life will begin at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Bruce Crabtree officiating.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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