Born in Grundy, Virginia the son of William Keen and Thursa Skeen. Elster served in Roosevelts C.C. Camps, and later joined the Army. He was stationed in Panama where he enjoyed owning and racing horses. War was declared and Elster was chosen to be trained in the South American jungles. Fighting throughout the South Pacific and Aleutian Islands he served his country.
Elster is celebrated by his daughter Sharon Bogath, her husband, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also family and friends in Washington State, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.