Donald W. "Don" Elder

Donald W. Elder, age 84, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 18, 2012. He was born on Sunday, April 1, 1928, in Udall, Kansas, the son of Thomas Landon and Ella Faye (McClelland) Elder. Don was a near lifelong resident of Ottawa. Don worked twenty years with Sunflower Ordinance Plant, four years with Ottawa Truck and seven years for Skyhook retiring in 1994. Don served from February 12, 1946 until December 11, 1947 in the United States Navy attaining the rank of Seaman 2nd Class. He was awarded several commendations, including the World War II Victory and the American Area Campaign metals. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Ottawa. On March 28, 1947, Don married Evelyn Reeves. They later divorced. On August 6, 1965, Don married Mary Bischoff. They later divorced. On February 15, 1980 Don was united in marriage to Patsy May “Pat” Finch in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of the home. He is survived by his: Wife – Pat Elder of the home; Son – Donald Elder and wife Sandy of San Tan Valley, Arizona; Daughter – Gloria Millick of Topeka, Kansas; Son – Chris Elder of Boliver, Missouri; Son – Robert Elder and wife Liz of Boliver, Missouri; Son – Michael Finch of Rantoul, Kansas; Daughter – Waunita Dent of Ottawa, Kansas; Daughter – Patricia Finch and fiancé Tim Coffman of Sutton, West Virginia; Son – Joe Skvarek of Springfield, Missouri; Daughter – Alinda Beach of Boliver, Missouri; Sister – Edith McAuley of Ottawa, Kansas; Brother – Thomas Elder, Jr. of Topeka, Kansas; Sister – Shirley Elder of Ottawa, Kansas; Sister – Janie Currant of Ottawa, Kansas; Sister – Margaret Bischoff of Ottawa, Kansas; Brother – Richard Elder of Ottawa, Kansas; Brother – Carl Elder of Ottawa, Kansas; Brother – Kenneth Elder of Baldwin City, Kansas; Son-in-law – Lloyd Yohe of Ottawa, Kansas; Grandchildren – 26 and Great-grandchildren – 52. He is preceded in death by his: Daughter – Nina Yohe; Son – LeRoy Joe Finch; Parents – Thomas and Ella Elder; Brothers – James Elder, Jack Elder and Ray Elder; Sisters – Grace Elder and Anne Taylor; Grandson – Michael Hoffman and Grandson – Richard Stottlemire. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary, 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012. IN STATE: Mr. Elder will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa from 1:00 p.m. Wednesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Ruhamah Cemetery, Rantoul, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Hospice or Franklin County Cancer Foundation, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.