George Elder

George Elder, 90, of Palestine, IL, died at 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in the comfort of his home. He was born September 21, 1927 in Palestine, the son of Noble Elder and Odrus (Turner) Elder, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Betty Jean Adams on September 21, 1946 and she preceded him in death on November 9, 1996. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Chita Lynn Elder (in infancy); and by his brothers, Jack Elder and Charles Elder. George is survived by his children, Vicki (Elder) & Dave Krenke (Palestine, IL) and Mike & Linda Elder (Palestine, IL); by his grandchildren, Shawn & Lori Elder (Palestine, IL), Dusty & Kristie Elder (Palestine, IL), Jeramie & Peggy Elder (Robinson, IL), Jessica & Jess Wesley (New Hebron, IL), and Don & Kalley York (Chillicothe, IL); by 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; by his sister, Sara Kimberlin (Palestine, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. George lived a good and long life. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1946, a proof of the love he had for his country; a love that lasted throughout his life. Anyone who knew George could attest to the fact that the man wasn’t afraid of work. He spent several years as a meat cutter for Brock’s Food Town before moving on to Briggs Pottery, where he worked as a sprayer before retiring. Away from work, one could almost always find George on the river. Few things brought him more joy than spending time on his pontoon, (a notable exception was watching his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series). On dry land, he kept a large garden and grew countless amounts of produce through the years. George will long be remembered as a beloved member of the community of Palestine, a community that will mourn his passing for years to come. He was a lifetime member of the Palestine Amvets Post #33. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Watson officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the Palestine Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, American Legion Post #69, and Marine Corps League Det #546, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, with envelopes available at the funeral home.