William “Bill” Joseph Elder, 93, of Owensboro, passed away on January 14, 2025. He was born on September 19, 1931, to the late Joseph Elder and Nancy Willett Elder.
Bill retired from Union Local 1701 where he worked as a commercial electrician. He served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. Bill was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church, served as an Eucharistic minister, and was a member of the Precious Blood BBQ Team and Men’s Club. He was a 4th Degree Knight for the Knights of Columbus and was a appointed to the St. Vincent DePaul of Western Kentucky Board of Directors. In his free time, Bill loved gardening – especially vegetables, barbequing, fishing, watching UK and KWC sports, solving crossword and cryptogram puzzles, and serving his community.
Along with his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his wife, of 60 years, Mary “Rita” McCarthy Elder; his siblings, Bobby Jean and Earl, and his daughter-in-law, Anja Elder.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Randy (Ann) Elder, Steve (Carol) Elder, Bruce Elder, and David (Cheryl) Elder; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren with one great-grandchild on the way; and his siblings, Martha McAnany, Jim Elder, Shirley Rushing, Larry Elder, Nancy Sorg, and Becky Mills.
Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Precious Blood Catholic Church, with Father Carl McCarthy officiating. Burial to follow at St. Mary Magdalene Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visitation at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fr. Carl will lead in prayer at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Precious Blood Catholic Church, from 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of charitable donations to Precious Blood Catholic Church at 3306 Fenmore St, Owensboro, KY 42301, St. Vincent de Paul, 200 E 18th St, Owensboro, KY 42303, or Knights of Columbus at 3540 E 10th St, Owensboro, KY 42303. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with William “Bill” Joseph Elder’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Elder and sign his virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.