George “Hot Earl” Elder Sr., 86, of Owensboro passed away Sunday at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Born November 29, 1932 in Stanley to the late Joseph A. Elder and Nancy Willett Elder, Earl attended Saint Francis Academy and graduated in the last class there (’50). He served his country in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a vocal patriot who wore his MAGA hat proudly. After the service, he attended Brescia College where he received his Associates Degree. Earl began working as a design draftsman for Hartz-Kirkpatrick and later for Jagoe Homes until 1992 where he was instrumental in designing many landmarks and subdivisions in Daviess County and Southern Indiana such as Hillcrest Nursing Home, Trinity Hills, Tamarack Park, and Twin Lakes among many others. He enjoyed playing golf with his sons, grandkids and buddies where he earned the nickname “Duke of Earl”. Earl could grill some delicious BBQ chickens and their home was often overflowing with family gatherings.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Elder also was preceded in death by his grandson, Garrett Michael Elder in 2010.
Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his loving wife of 62 years, Patty Corley Elder; five sons, George “Butch” Elder, Barry Alan Elder and wife Kathy with their children, Courtney Ammons (Joe) and Morgan Elder, Joseph Russell Elder and wife Stephanie and his children, Brandon Elder, Kaitlyn Roberts (Joseph), and Nolan Elder, Jeffrey Scott Elder and wife Elizabeth with their children, Jeffrey and Patricia Elder, Jason Lee Elder and wife Caroline and their children, Marissa and Logan Elder; brothers Bill Elder (Rita), Jimmy Elder (Lenna), and Larry Elder (Dottie); sisters, Martha McAnanny (Tim), Shirley Rushing, Nancy Sorg, and Becky Mills (Jimmy); five great grandchildren, Dylan, Carson, and Brooklyn Ammons, Kynlee and Emery Roberts; numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass for Earl Elder Sr. will be 2:00 pm Friday at Blessed Mother Catholic Church. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 to 1:30 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Make-A-Wish, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ 85016; St. Jude Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105; Wounded Warrior, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Memories and condolences for the family of Earl Elder Sr. may be shared at www.glenncares.com