William E. Elder

William Edward Elder, 93, of Fairfax, Virginia died peacefully at his Mantua home on January 31, 2018. A native of Hamilton, Ohio, he had lived in the DC area for 70 years, following WWII era military service with the US Navy as Radio Technician First Class in both the European and Asian Pacific conflicts. After discharge in 1947, he followed a communications engineering profession, beginning with Capital Airlines, then with American Trucking Association until retirement in 1986.

He stayed busy and of service even in his retirement years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, photography & amateur radio. His radio skills were utilized for expediting critical emergency communications during blizzards and hurricanes when everyday communications failed.

He was predeceased by: his father, Alexander Elder, a native of Glasgow, Scotland; his mother, Blanche Mae Gerrard Elder, a native of Port Union, Ohio; and his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia Ann Yates Elder, a native of Seminole, Oklahoma, primarily raised in Gratiot County, Michigan.

Mr. Elder is survived by: a sister, Agnes Dalton of Hamilton, Ohio; his son Thomas Edward Elder of Centreville, Virginia; and a worldwide network of extended family and friends.

In regards to his Christian faith, his approach to and acceptance of Jesus as personal Savior came slowly, beginning with participation in membership activities at Fairfax Circle Baptist Church for around 15 years, including Sunday School, Worship Services and Men’s Breakfasts Club attendance and helping cook church suppers. After transferring Church membership to Calvary Hill Baptist Church, he came fully into fellowship with acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice and was baptized June 9, 2002.