Bernard “Barney” K. Elder

Bernard “Barney” K. Elder of Springfield, Illinois passed away peacefully on August 18, 2021 in Springfield.

Born in 1930 to Clint and Gladys (Huffman) Elder of Toledo, Illinois, Barney grew up in Toledo, worked as a mechanic at a Ford garage and joined the Army reserve in 1951. After leaving the service, Barney worked in General Electric’s medical systems group serving the needs of hospitals throughout central Illinois for over 36 years. Upon retirement and with his kids grown, he resumed his favorite hobby of piloting his Cessna around the state visiting small local airports and seeing the sites. A graduate of Sangamon State University, he also enjoyed picking a tune on his guitar and banjo and listening to Johnny Cash.

Barney was preceded in death by both parents, his brother Bill Elder, and his beloved wife of 33 years, Alice Hettick Elder. He is survived by sons, Michael, Jim, Jeff (Riema), Tom Elder; daughter Melinda (Glen) Garner; grandchildren Andrew Elder, Amanda (John) Ramsey, Kimberly (Kurt) Cramer, Matthew Garner; and great-grandchildren Madison and Kate Ramsey; and Lincoln and Theodore Cramer.

A private funeral service to celebrate his life will be held in the coming days. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

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