Celebration of Life services for Col Jerry Michael Elder US ARMY (RET), 68, will be held at 2:30 PM, Thursday, January 3, 2019 on the grounds of Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 34904 AL-225, Spanish Fort, AL 36577 with Chaplain Justin Daniel officiating. Jerry will be buried with full Military Honors.
Jerry was born May 8, 1950 in Talladega, Alabama to the late Cleo, Jr. and Nealey Gurley Elder and was called from this earthly home December 28, 2018. He was a graduate of University of Alabama and received his Masters at Jacksonville State University. Jerry was a member of the AL POST 88, a life time member of MOAA, and AWC Alumni Association, class of 1996. He served this grateful nation dedicating thirty-three years to the United States ARMY until retirement as a Chemical officer. Jerry was decorated with Meritorious Service Medals, ARMY Commendation Medals, an ARMY Achievement Medal, ARMY Reserve Components Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medals, a Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medals, an ARMY Service Ribbon, and an ARMY Reserve Components Overseas training Ribbon. His military education consisted of but not limited to: Training Development Middle Managers Course (1990), Senior Commander Qualification Course (1992), ARMY Inspector General Course (1994), and ARMY War College (1996).
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister; Jean Smith.
Left to cherish Jerry’s beautiful memories will be his beloved wife of thirty-six years; Jacquelyn (Jackie) Steadman Elder, three sons: Jeff Elder and wife Kelley, Scott Elder, and Matt Elder, three step-daughters: Scotia Robinson and husband Dennis, Kymberly Baker and husband Paul, and Sharyn Kapp and husband Tim, one brother; Jimmy Elder, two brothers-in-law; Rod Steadman, and Everett Steadman and wife Rebecca, one sister-in-law; Gaye Montiel, eleven grandchildren: Sydney, Jake, Addison, Noah and Ethan Elder, Zac Steadman, Brittany Wood and husband Cameron, Taylor Baker, Tyler Walker, Sebastian and Trenton Kapp, along with many extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rod Steadman, Everett Steadman,Jack Fecas, and Tom Lovell.
The family would like to express their deepest and warmest gratitude to Chaplain Justin Daniel, the staff of Driftwood Nursing Center, and KareN Home Hospice Group for the personal care and professionalism provided during their great time of need.
Memorials may be made in honor of Col. Jerry M. Elder, USARMY (RET), to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile, 1626 Springhill Ave, Mobile, AL, 36604, 251-694-6873 and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 800-822-6344.
