The Dillsboro Community is mourning the loss of Vernon L. Elder, 84, of Dillsboro who passed away early Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at his home with family by his side. Vern was born Thursday, April 25, 1935 in Bear Branch, Indiana, the son of the late William and Maud (Holbert) Elder. He married Marceline Marie Kruse on November 11, 1961 and they were married 55 years when she preceded him in death June 5, 2017. Vern graduated from Rising Sun High School. He attended Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship and was a construction electrician for Local #369 out of Kentucky. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a member of multiple organizations in Dillsboro including Hopewell Masonic Lodge F & AM # 80 for 50 years, Southeastern Indiana Shriners, retired member of Dillsboro Fire Department of 50 years, Dillsboro Civic Club, Dillsboro EMS and a Kentucky Colonel. He worked for DeVries Funeral Home and currently for Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home. Vern had many hobbies which included: golfing, watching sports, playing baseball and softball in his early years, watching his grandchildren play sports, and enjoyed hunting trips. He loved volunteering for the town of Dillsboro in any way he could. He was the biscuit fryer for the Southeastern Shriners steak dinners.
Vern is survived by sons: Ryan (Daniley) Elder of Dillsboro and Vern (Shelly) Elder Jr. of Versailles; daughter Teresa (Steve) Barger of Dillsboro; brother William (Vivian) Elder Jr. of Rising Sun; sister-in-law Vivian Elder of Dillsboro; six grandchildren: Curtis (Maria) Lewis of Shelbyville, Clay Lewis of Dillsboro, Ryley Elder and Delaney Elder both of Dillsboro, Meryssa Gray of Sarasota, Florida and Kelsey Gray of Madison; three great grandchildren: Audrian Lewis of Shelbyville, Marty Scales and Emmalyn Scales both of Madison; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, five sisters and five brothers.
A service celebrating his life will be held 11 AM Saturday, December 28 at Bear Creek Baptist Church, 5970 E State Road 62, Versailles, Indiana 47042 with Rev. Sherman Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery in Dillsboro. Family and friends may gather to share and remember him 4-8 PM Friday, December 27 with Masonic services at 8 PM at Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home in Dillsboro. Memorials may be given in honor of Vern to Bear Creek Baptist Church and Southeastern Shrine Club. Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 12887 Lenover Street, Box 146, Dillsboro, IN 47018 (812)432-5480. You may go to www.filterdevriesmoore.com to leave an online condolence message for the family.