Cleo Leon Elder

Cleo Leon Elder, passed away Friday, March 1, 2013, at Parkview Care Center, in Osborne, KS at the age of 91. Cleo was born October 26, 1921 in Ash Rock Community to Charles Lafayette and Rachel Elizabeth “Kinion” Elder. He grew up in the Ash Rock and Kirwin areas and graduated from Kirwin High School in 1939. Cleo was united in marriage to Pauline Gates on June 20, 1946 in Oborne, KS. They were blessed with 5 children and celebrated 48 years of marriage together. After Pauline’s death in 1994, Cleo married Dorothy Doughty Beckley on September 25, 1996. Cleo and Pauline raised their family in Norton and Hays and then retired to Stockton. Cleo was an easy going fellow with a great sense of humor who never knew a stranger. He was a member of the Stockton United Methodist Church. Cleo was an avid hunter and fisherman. Cleo also enjoyed sports and in his younger years was a good football, basketball, and baseball player. He loved spending time and “spinning yarns” with his family and friends. Cleo is preceded in death by his parents; both wives; an infant daughter, Rhonda Lea and 9 siblings; Mary Rehor, Kenneth Elder, Edith Elder, Blanche Meyers, Joseph Elder, Helen Metcalf, Merlin Elder, Vernon Elder, and Eugene Elder. He is survived by four children: Sharon Minton and husband John of England Arkansas, Gary Elder and wife Doloros of Woodbridge, Virginia, Paula Elder of Hays, Kansas, and Dr. Richard Elder of Alexandria, Louisiana; seven grandchildren: Derek, Scott, Jason, Kaynon, Sarah, Susan, and Charles; seven great grandchildren: Ashlie, Amanda, Alex, Spencer, Caitlyn, Calista, and Kohen; four great great-grandchildren: Annika, Emma, Heidi, and Trey; three sister-in-laws; one brother-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him.