Michael Keith Elders

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Keith Elders. Mike was born in Gadsden, Alabama on November 8, 1960, and passed away at home, peacefully in his sleep, on September 28, 2024.

Mike graduated from Ashville High School in 1979. He was a paratrooper in the Air National Guard for several years and worked in the steel processing industry until health issues forced him to retire in 2014.

In 1985, Mike met Lisa McClendon, and they married the following year in May of 1986. They have three children, one of which made him a grandfather of three.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Betty Jo and Ernest Ladell Elders, parents-in-law Herbert and Betty McClendon, Grandparents Fred and Bertie Battles & Ernest and Lois Elders, and brother-in-law Dennis Thompson.

Mike is survived by his wife, Lisa McClendon Elders, daughter Rebekah Elders, son Jesse (Katelyn) Elders, and daughter Jordan Elders. He also leaves three grandchildren, Jaime, Nolan, and Reyna Avila, sisters Joy Thompson and Donna (Sidney) Jones, brother Neal (Barbara) Elders, Aunt Linda (Dennis) Moyer, Uncle Lamar (Grace) Battles and brothers-in-law Mike (Sandy), Phil, & Ronnie (Jennifer) McClendon. Mike is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends that he dearly loved.

After retirement, Mike enjoyed being outside with his grandchildren and with his sweet pet Bitty, who is also lost without him. Family time was what he most enjoyed. He loved watching most all sports, but especially anything when it was Alabama playing. He also loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events when he was able.

Morgan Funeral Chapel is directing the funeral service. The service will be at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 2, at 2:00 p.m. Family visitation will be at 12:00 noon until 12:30 p.m., friends’ visitation at 12:30 p.m. until the time of service, at 2:00 p.m. Brothers Clay Spears and Mark Martin will officiate the service. Pallbearers are Scott Madison, Phil and Ronnie McClendon, Kenneth and Steven Battles, Kenneth Seals, David Kuykendall, Glen Walker, and Jamey Phillips.