Lowell E. Elder, 80, of Seneca died unexpectedly Thursday, August 28, 2014, shortly after being transferred to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Lowell was born on November 23, 1933, at his grandmother’s home in Oregon, Missouri, to Eldon and Lela Adams Elder. His early childhood was spent in Oregon and after he had completed 4th grade, the family moved to Seneca where Lowell was then enrolled. Lowell graduated from Seneca Public High in 1951. After graduating he was employed by Mealy’s HyKlas in Seneca.

On September 3, 1956, he married Lela M. Tanking at St. Gregory Catholic Church in Marysville. As newlyweds the couple moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, as Lowell was inducted into the United States Army on June 20, 1956, and was attached to the Co A 13th SIG BN APO 24. He served in Korea for over a year. He was discharged on April 26, 1958, as a Staff Sergeant. After his service to his country, the couple returned to Seneca. Lowell resumed employment for Mealy’s HyKlas in Seneca. He was recruited by the Public School, to work for them as a Custodian. In 1970, he was promoted to Superintendent of Building and Grounds for Seneca School; he retired after 35 years. During his “retirement” he started up Elder Floor Service, which he had for 15 years.

Lowell was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church (ushering for over 50 years), St. Joseph’s Society, the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Earl W. Taylor Post #21, and a past president of the Seneca Public Alumni Association. He had many interest in life which included bowling, fishing, hunting, cards, western movies, gardening and to watch and follow his grandchildren in sports and or whatever they were doing.

Lowell was preceded in death by his wife, Lela on December 18, 2009, after 53 years of marriage.

Lowell is survived by a special friend, Susie Baker of Tonganoxie; his sons, Lee and Geralyn Elder of Andover, Lynn and Gina Elder of Salina, Larry and Karla Elder of Topeka, and Les and Dana Elder of Minneapolis, MN; his daughter, Lisa and Mike Stallbaumer of Seneca; and his siblings, Alice Nemecheck of Cedar Park, Texas, Hank Elder of Overland Park, Kansas, Annie Nelson of Paola, Kansas, Myredith Buss of Salina and Richard Elder of Humboldt, Kansas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 1st at 2 PM at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Rosaries will be at Lauer Funeral Home on Sunday, August 31st at 2 PM and on Monday, September 1st at 11 AM.

Memorials are for Lowell and Lela Elder Scholarship Fund.