Wayne Thomas Elder

Colonel Wayne Thomas Elder (USAF retired), 93, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. He was born in Rutledge, TN, on April 30, 1924, the eldest son of Gladys Louise Talley and Robert Roland Elder.

Wayne graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and later obtained a Masters in Accounting from the University of South Florida, where he taught after his retirement from the US Air Force.

Wayne was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps in June, 1943, after graduating from Knoxville High School, Knoxville, TN. He served as an aviator in the Pacific Theater in World War II, and subsequently in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He served as a Squadron Commander in the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Danang Air Base in Vietnam in 1967-68 during the TET Offensive, piloting more than 100 missions over Hanoi. He subsequently was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations for the 13th Air Force at Clark Air Base, Philippines, and supervised the return of American POWs from North Vietnam. He was the Director of Operations for the Tactical Air Command at Langley Air Force Base, VA at the time of his retirement in 1975 after 32 years of active service. His medals and decorations included the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star, with Oak Leaf Clusters.

Wayne was predeceased by his brother, Billy and his sisters, Elizabeth and Doris. He is survived by his wife, Nora Bland Elder; his daughters, Melissa Ellen and Melanie Louise Elder; his grandson, Samuel Jacob Thomas Elder; his brothers, Jim and Steve Elder, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children. He will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Southside United Methodist Church, 3120 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207 with Rev. Dr. Pamela Hall officiating.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS CHAPEL HILLS FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road N. Jacksonville, FL 32225.