Jared R. Elder

September 04, 2015

Service Details

Jared Richard Elder, 74, went to be with His Lord on Friday, September 4, 2015, while surrounded by family. He was born on January 1, 1941, the first baby born in Polk County, to Richard Gordon Elder and Helen Yvonne Humeston Elder. He married Judith Ann Hammer on February 14, 1963, and together they had 2 children, Julie Elder Wood (David Wood) of Anderson, Indiana and Jared “Jay” Richard Elder II, (Faith McKee) of Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his deeply loved grandchildren, Jordan Jared Sandefur, Ashlen Sandefur, Brielle Sandefur of Anderson, Indiana, and Jared Richard Elder III and Jaden Elder of Des Moines, Iowa.

In May of 1960, Jerry and his dad, RG, started R.G. Elder and Son Company. When RG retired, Jerry continued his leadership of the company until June 2000, when Jay joined the company and it was renamed Elder Corporation. Jay continues to run the company and followed in his dad’s footsteps as Jerry’s health declined.

Jerry is also lovingly survived by his siblings, Yvonne Elder Norman, Barbara Elder Bougher, Harry, Tim and Kevin Elder, and Cynthia Elder Bernhardt. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dennis. Jerry was a strong influence in the lives of his 18 nieces and nephews on his side and the 5 on his wife’s side. He loved and was loved by them and his 35 great-nieces and nephews and even great-great-nieces and nephews.

While Jerry was devoted to his earthly family, he also served his Lord and his spiritual family faithfully at First Church of the Open Bible by serving on the board for over 40 years and at New Beginnings for 4 years. He was a loyal friend and caretaker of the Pastors of his churches, including Frank W. Smith, C. Daniel LeLaCheur, Kenneth Groen, Danny Thomas, Rod Querry, and most recently James Weaver.

Jerry will be missed by his loyal circle of friends of over 50 years who still gather together several times a week for supper, coffee, and supporting each other through life events.
The last 2 years of Jerry’s life were spent at Luther Park Care Center where he was lovingly cared for by nurses on “A” Hall. The family wants to thank all the staff at Luther Park, and especially thank Lisa, Karen, Pavel, and Shantal.

There will be a viewing on Tuesday, September 8 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale and a Celebration of Jerry’s life on Wednesday, September 9 at 10:00 am at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale. Memorial contributions can be made in Jerry’s name to New Hope Assembly of God where it will be given to several charities.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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