Merrill J. Elder, 92, departed this life on November 6, 2011, in Jacksonville, FL. He was surrounded by his loving family and passed away peacefully. He was preceded in death by his wife and 3rd born son. He is survived by 1 daughter; 3 sons; 11 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren, who will miss him dearly. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He retired from the United States Postal Service. The funeral service will be conducted at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 Highway 17, Fleming Island, on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in Riverside Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, (800) 608-3037, www.stjude.org. Arrangements entrusted to: Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., 904-781-9262, www.townandcountryfuneralhome.com.