Robert H. "Bob" Elder, 84, of Chenoa passed away peacefully of natural causes on Feb.19, 2009 at his home in Meadows, IL surrounded by loving friends and family.

Bob was born Feb. 9, 1925 in Lexington, IL the son of Oliver Howell and Annie (Breese) Elder. His siblings include: Don, Jean Ann, Shirley, Gwen, Ed and Rowland Elder.

Upon graduation from high school in Lexington, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corp during WWII and trained to be a pilot/navigator. Following the war, he graduated in 1949 from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with a Bachelors Degree in Business. He lived and farmed west of Chenoa until his retirement in 1996.

Bob married Ruth Gwendolyn Williams, a registered nurse from Chicago, on Nov. 20, 1948 in River Forest, IL. They had three children: Marilyn, Craig and Eric Elder. Residing on their family farm, Bob and Ruth began what would prove to be a very busy and exciting venture. Friends, family, church, sports, music, hayrides, campfires, assorted
pets and animals filled their lives for 42 years. Sadly, Ruth passed away on March 4, 1990.

After Bob lost Ruth, he had the wonderful fortune of finding a special loving companionship with his lifelong friend, Mary Lou Schrock of Gridley, IL and her beautiful family, all of whom became an extended, loving family to the Elders. Bob and Mary Lou touched many lives with their joyful and kind manner. Mary Lou continues to reside in
Meadows, IL.

Bob loved music and he loved to sing. He enjoyed all sports especially baseball, basketball, and football. He loved to invent mechanical projects and he loved a good joke.

Bob would wish for everyone a happy, peaceful life. He would ask us not to worry too much about the future and to be grateful for all the many blessings we are given each and every day.

Survivors include his children: Marilyn (Bob) Byrnes, Belgrade, MT, Craig (Carolyn) Elder, El Segundo, CA, Eric (Lana) Elder, Peru, IL, three sisters: Jean Ann Billings, Dallas, TX, Shirley Robb, Normal, IL, Gwen (Bill) Whetzel, Sarasota, FL, two brothers: Ed (S'Monne) Elder, Lexington, IL, Rowland (Martha) Elder, Houston, TX and Don's
wife Janice Elder, Lexington, IL in addition to 9 grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Don Elder.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm, Saturday, February 28, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church of Chenoa with Pastor Dan Patterson officiating. Duffy-Pils has charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family of Robert H. Elder.