On Tuesday, June 26th we unexpectedly lost our always-smiling, shower-singing, family-loving, joke-cracking, smart, kind, and generous Charles. Charles was known as many things: a best friend, a big brother, a loving son, and most importantly a loving husband and “Daddy” to his two adoring children.
Charles Randell Elder, IV was born August 19, 1985 in Marshall, Texas. He was the first of three children. Not long after, the family moved to Shreveport which has remained their home for many years. Charles and his sisters attended First Baptist Church school, and later, Caddo Magnet High. He went on to obtain a zoology degree from Auburn University. After college, he returned to Shreveport and became a landman during the Haynesville Shale boom. It was during this time that he met his wife, Shannon, and together they went on to have two beautiful and happy children, Charlie and Caroline. He went on to work alongside his father at the family business, Abbot Promotional Products.
Charles delighted in being with family. A perfect day for him began with making eggs and sausage for his children before an afternoon spent all together poolside at his parents. To say that Charles had a special bond with his kids is a huge understatement. Surprising them with trips to the park or a night at WrestleMania was the kind of thing he lived for.
As his many, many friends can attest, Charles was always the first to offer a helping hand or lend an ear to those he loved and strangers alike. He lived his life by the golden rule of “Treat Others the Way You Would Want To Be Treated.” He was, and always will be, a shining example of how to be a caring and giving person. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Shannon, most adored and loved children, Charles “Charlie” and Caroline, beloved mother and father, Debbie and Randy Elder, best friends and sisters, Rebecca Elder and Sara Eaker and her husband, Adam Eaker, “good as a brother-in-law” Andrew Trowbridge Emery, Papaw, Jolly Claxton, Mama, Faye Elder, mother and father-in-law, Catherine and Robert Glassen, sister-in-law Brooke and her husband, Jack Seraphine, niece Dylan and nephew Jake, and brother-in-law, Gregg Glassen. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and work family.
A celebration of life service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Shreveport at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. In the giving spirit of Charles, he requested that his body be donated to science. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the “Charlie and Caroline Elder Trust Account” to benefit Charles and Shannon’s children. Donations can be made in c/o The Law Firm Langley Parks Horton & Maxwell, 401 Market Street, Suite 1100, Shreveport, LA 71101.
