James Dale Elder

A graduate of Wichita East High School, he attended Wichita State and Texas A & M before volunteering for the U. S. Army in 1940. He served valiantly in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, after which he returned to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at The Ohio State University in 1946. He worked as a petroleum geologist in Kansas City, Tulsa, and Houston until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Houston, where he served as a Stephen Minister. He loved his family, baseball, travel, and gathering with friends, and he had a special place in his heart for children. He capably directed the Elder Family Farm Corporation for many years, which provided a beautiful Century Farm for family gatherings. We have special appreciation for his friend Mary Hoekel, and gratitude for the love and care shown to him by Rosario Anaya and Reyna Aguilar Guity, who tirelessly provided care for him in recent years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Agnes Pringle Elder, by his parents Lenore Carson Elder and Emil Elder, sister Mary Elizabeth Mouser, and brothers Victor Carson Elder and Thomas Calvin Elder.

Jim and Mary were the loving parents of one daughter, Adrienne Lenore Elder of Tulsa, Oklahoma, four sons, James Tilford "J.T." Elder of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Edward Monroe Elder of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dale Chase Elder of Daytona Beach, Florida and John Witherspoon Elder of Houston, Texas, and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service and celebration of his life is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 18th of February, in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston, where Pastor Michael Homan is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced during the services.

At a later date, family and friends will gather for a private interment in Chase County, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory should be directed to the Camp Fund of the Nehemiah Center of Houston (http://www.nehemiahcenterhouston.org).