Born: June 8, 1936

Died: Jan. 17, 2013

John Richard Elder, 76, of Niles, Mich., died at 1:55 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles following an extended illness.

He was born on June 8, 1936 in Niles to Richard Wilson and Virginia (Harter) Elder, and lived here all of his life.  He was graduated from Niles High School, and attended the University of Michigan. He was employed in the kitchens of several area restaurants.

John was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles.  He enjoyed classical music

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Richard Elder, and by a sister, Judith Wright.  Surviving family includes his brother, D. Stephen Elder and wife Hilda Maness of Pittsboro, N.C.; and nieces and nephews, Heather Ehnat, Kathy Wright and Tom Wright; and several grand-nieces and nephews

Services for John R. Elder will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles with The Reverend James Slack of the church officiating.  Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.  Contributions in memory of John may be made to the donor’s choice.  Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com