William (Bill) Elder, a longtime resident of Westfield and more recently of the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center, Dunkirk, NY, passed away July 23, 2015 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk, NY.
Born February 23, 1928 in the Bronx, NY, to Robert and Berdena (Sheldon) Elder. The family moved to Ashville, NY, where he attended school. He served a short time in the U.S. Navy, where he received an honorable discharge.
In earlier years, he had been employed at Jamestown Metal; was a cement truck driver for Concrete on the Job; and prior to his retirement worked 16 years for Welch Foods Inc. in Westfield.
Bill enjoyed his motorcycles and vintage cars. He collected antique toys, trains and Harley Davidson memorabilia. Along with his wife, he liked to go on bus tours with the Westfield Senior Citizens club.
He was a former member of Lakeshore Assembly of God, Westfield.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Anderson), whom he married on July 4, 1948. One son: Donald (Luanne) Elder; and a daughter: Barbara (Tony) Mele, both of Westfield. And a sister; Joyce Ecker of Ashville, NY.
He had 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Eugene and Kenneth; and a sister: Marie Coe. Also, three children: Ronald Elder, Sandra Carlson Whitcomb and Cheryl Tooley Krehan.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family with no visitation observed.
Memorials may be made to the Community Soup Kitchen, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 12 Elm St., Westfield, N.Y. 14787.
By the Observer
