John Francis Elder

John, age 93, passed away peacefully January 19, 2019, Bakersfield, CA. Born to Edward and Seraphine Elder 1925, Bakersfield. He graduated from Kern County Union High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Navy Reserve. During WWII, he was an Aviation Radioman Second Class stationed on the U.S.S. Yorktown and was part of multiple flights into enemy territory and dropped food to POW camps until honorably discharged December 1945.

Back in Bakersfield, John held jobs in printing, public utilities and trucking industries. He enjoyed riding his Honda motorcycle, especially to the coast, while spending his later years hanging out at his trailer park and taking daily walks to McDonalds. John is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Margaret Mary (Zorovich) and Patricia Ann (Feliz). John is survived by 14 nieces and nephews, and 29 great-nieces and -nephews.

Memorial Mass to be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Bakersfield, Friday, February 22 at 11am, followed by 2pm graveside service at Bakersfield National Cemetery, Arvin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North of the River Meals on Wheels, 115 E Roberts Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93308.