Austin Thomas Elder, 19, of Fort Smith, died December 14, 2012 in Springfield, MO. He was born September 2, 1993 in Fort Smith to Danny R. Elder and Gina Michele Angeletti Elder Rogers. He was a graduate of Southside High School where he was passionate about football and was 7A All Region Defensive Back. He was a member of the SHS Rebel Football, The Native American Tribesman, The Earth Club, UFO Club, Disc Golf Club and the Extreme Outdoor Enthusiasts. He spent a lot of his time camping out, hiking, taking photos of sunsets, and looking at the stars. Austin had just finished his first semester at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, and worked part time at Bob Rogers Chevrolet in Paris, AR. He was a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was 11 years old. He loved his family and friends unconditionally; he was very loyal and had many many friends. His loyalty and his love were an inspiration to all who knew him. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved nature. He is survived by his mother, Gina and her husband Van Rogers of Paris, AR; his father, Danny Elder of Fort Smith; one sister, Brittany and husband Matt Przybysz of Fort Smith; maternal grandparents, Tom and Wanda Clayton of Fort Smith and Floyd and Freda Angeletti of Benton, AR. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Theo and Louise Elder. Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Grand Avenue Baptist Church with burial to follow in Oak Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Alex Bare, Zachery Elder, Mathias Elder, Thaddeus Elder, Coach Williams, and Coach Fimple. Honorary Pallbearers will be Abe Artaga, Walt Blythe, Nathan Bolton, Drew Comer, Jake Childress, Adam Fitts, Thomas Hanna, Matt Hartstein, Adam Lucus, Alex Mann, Sam Snyder, and Chris Villafranca. The family will greet friends at Grand Avenue Baptist Church on Tuesday evening from 4-7 PM. Memorials may be made to the Austin Elder Medical Fund at any Arvest Bank. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
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