Harry Elder passed from this earth on June 17, 2020, at Fountain West Nursing Home. Harry was born on December 31, 1924, in Gilman City, Missouri, to Johnie and Anna Elder.
Harry entered the Army in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1944. He then began his college years, earning his Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College in 1949. He continued his studies at the George Peabody Teacher’s College at Vanderbilt, the University of Wyoming, and ultimately Drake University, where he earned his Masters Degree.
Harry married Hazel Maxine Elder on August 28, 1951, in Purdin, Missouri. They began their life together in northern Missouri but lived in the Des Moines area for most of their 67 years together. Theirs was a marriage focused on family, and they never missed school or sporting events in which their children and grandchildren participated.
During his long career in education, Harry served as a classroom teacher, vice principal and principal. He was part of the Des Moines Public School District the majority of that time — from 1954 to 1988, when he retired.
Retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue his lifelong passion for music. He formed “Hawkeye Travelers,” a band that played at community centers and events in the Des Moines area. While members of the band changed over the years, Harry was the vocalist and leader throughout the band’s long duration.
Harry leaves behind his children, John Elder and Sherry (Bob) Dickelman; grandsons, Austin Elder and Andrew Dickelman; sister, Eva (Jerry) Henderson and brother, Charles (Faye) Elder. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister, Avis Marshall.
A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Suncrest Home Health and Hospice Des Moines, who took special care of Harry at life’s end.