October 23rd, 1932

Roy and Helen (Graham) Elder became the parents of Pat Duane Elder on 10/23/32 in Wichita County.  Pat was the youngest of 12 children:

Alice Summers
Addie Strobridge (deceased)
Ruby Whitney (deceased)
Laura Elder (deceased)
Bessie Burch
Buck Elder (deceased)
Neva Kiefer-Duncan
Red Elder (deceased)
Frank Elder (deceased)
Dick Elder(deceased)
Lewis Elder (deceased)
Pat Elder (deceased)

He lost his father when he was 2-years-old and his mother when he was just 6-years-old.  From then on, he spent his childhood living with his 5 older sisters and their families.  After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force.  After he had completed his tour of duty, he came back to the place he always called home--Wichita County.

Soon after coming back to Leoti, he met the school teacher who would change his life forever.  Her name was Miss Donna Lou Pepper from Johnson, Kansas. He oftimes said that she was the greatest gift whom God had ever given to him. After an appropriate time of courtship, they were married on November 22nd, 1959.

To their union, came 4 children.
Vera Lynn and her identical twin sister were born on October 29th, 1961.  The twin was stillborn.
Lori Dawn was born on September 28th, 1967
Lona Sue Ellyn was born on June 3rd, 1971.

His daughters went on and introduced the family to the three men who were much more than sons-in-law.  They became his sons.  Lynn married Stanley Blau. Lori married Leif Christensen.  Lona Sue married Rob Carson.

Eventually, his third generation began.  His grandchildren include:
Adam Duane Blau
Lori Christensen
Vicki Christensen
Marlene Christensen
Leif Henry Christensen
Hunter Dane Carson
Lars Patrick Christensen
Leighlyn Nevae Blau
Abigayle Joy Patrice Blau

Through the years, Pat worked at several jobs for other people until he started his own business which included construction, plumbing, trenching and backhoe work.  Pat found out that he had terminal cancer in 1991.  For most of the next 4 years, he continued to work.

From 1991 to April 29th, 1995, his family and many friends supported him as the cancer spread from his lungs to his brain to his bones...

Life has not and never will be the same for those of us who loved him so dearly.  A permanant gap remains in our lives.  We thank God for the man whom he blessed us with.  Not a day goes by that I don't remember my Daddy.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!  I wish I could serve up your favorite dinner tonight--fried chicken with all of the fixings.

VLE-B