Lowell Elvin Elder, 83, passed away Feb. 5, 2025, in Great Bend, Kan. He was born Jan. 24, 1942, in Sullivan, Ill. to Everett and Thelma (Stirrett) Elder. 

Lowell was an American at heart and a patriot which led him to serve with The United States Army. He married Leatitia Corrine Maxedon June 7, 1964, in Sullivan, Ill. Lowell worked for Firestone as a Distributer for 30 years. After retirement, he hauled oil for Walker Trucking Company to surrounding areas. He enjoyed going to his local McDonalds and ordering his favorite meal of a cheeseburger and iced coffee. He was a member of Heartland Community Church.

Survivors include his bride of 60 years Leatitia Corrine Elder; son, Mike Elder of Great Bend; daughter, Candace “Candy” Murphy and her husband Eric of Great Bend; brother, Ron Elder of Bethany, Ill; grandchildren, Cori James Elder, Trevor Elder, Cara Murphy, Cailyn Murphy, Caleb Murphy; daughter in law, Dawn Elder. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Terry Elder; brothers Carl Elder and Marvin Elder. 

Funeral service with Ft. Riley military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Troy Miller presiding. Memorial service will be held at a later date at First Southern Baptist Church in Sullivan, Ill. with Pastor Don Lusk presiding. Visitation is available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to American Diabetes Association or Sullivan Service Award Scholarship in memory of Terry Elder, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 11, 2025