Obituary of George A. Elder

George A. Elder, 88, of 135 Camp St., died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, in his home. He was born Feb. 26, 1925, in Brownsville, Pa., a son of the late David Watt and Celia McMahon Elder. Moving to Jamestown at age 12, he attended Jamestown High School until his enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1942. He was a World War II veteran, serving in Pacific Theatre with the 4th Division in Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. George was a true patriot. He loved his country and his flag. He served it well and was wounded in battle three times. He was shot by a sniper, stabbed by a Japanese bayonet and blown up by a Japanese land mine. He received a Purple Heart for his injuries. Prior to his retirement in1989, he was employed by MRC Bearings for 40 years as a precision grinder and master machine operator. He was a communicant of Holy Apostles Parish, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church serving as Eucharistic minister to the shut-ins at Heritage Village Nursing Home and was also head usher at church. He had volunteered at JAMA since shortly after it opened. He was dedicated to this "job" and enjoyed every day. He also volunteered at WCA Hospital for20 hours per week for more than 14 years. He was a comfort to many patients during this time. His other membership was Ira Lou Spring Post149 American Legion. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Rose Marie Palmer Elder, whom he married Aug. 31, 1944; four children: Cynthia Caflisch of Tucson, Ariz., David Elder of Buffalo, Jon Elder of Jamestown, and Kevin Elder of Apex, N.C.; and seven great-grandchildren: Anna and Mary Caflisch, and Adam, Vanessa, Summer, Ian and Landon Elder. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Marie Elder, in 1959; and six sisters: Edna Peterson, Cora Kishlock, Sadie Sleigh, Mary Miller, Myrtle Lawson and Grace Elaine Dahlgren. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday August 26th in Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. The Rev. Dennis W. Mende will be celebrant. Inurnment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends will be received in the church hall following Mass. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements are by Lind Funeral Home.