George E. Elder

George E. Elder, 79, of Du Quoin, passed away at 12:15 p.m., Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at the Fairview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Du Quoin.

George had worked as an edible operator at the Du Quoin Packing Company. He had also worked at AT&T in Chicago from 1956 until 1958. He was of the Baptist faith. George was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a member of the Du Quoin Saddle Club. He enjoyed running and trading coon hounds and trading horses.

He was born May 26, 1933 at Du Quoin, Ill., the son of Jesse and Willie (Knight) Elder.

He married Marjorie McMillan on May 31, 1953 at Du Quoin, Ill. and she preceded him in death on Jan. 2, 1998. He then married Brenda Woodcock on Jan. 21, 2005 at Du Quoin, Ill. and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, three children - Estella Dyer of Tamaroa, Ben Elder of Tamaroa and Max Elder of Du Quoin, six siblings - Florence Saylor of Du Quoin, Richard Elder of Marion, Helen Popover of Crown Point, Ind., Max Elder of DeKalb, Ill., Edith Robinson of Bradenton, Fla. and Mary Borecky of Mobile, Ala., six grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, one son - Jesse Elder, two brothers - Lonnie Elder and Jessie Elder and four sisters - Ruby Galbraith, Elizabeth Brandenburg, Leora Lominski and Irene Elder.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Per Mr. Elder's request, cremation services will be held following the visitation.

Inurnment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin at a later date with military graveside rites being conducted by the Du Quoin V.F. W. and American Legion and the U.S. Air Force.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.