Merrill Dean Elder

Merrill Dean Elder, age 80, of Ozark, Missouri, and longtime resident of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away at the home of his son in Ozark. He was born December 16, 1932 in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Carl Clarence Elder and Zelma (Reynolds) Elder. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Korean War. In 1955 he and Wanda Grubb were united in marriage. Merrill was a firefighter for Mattoon and in 1966 became disabled from an accident while on duty. For many years he worked for car agencies, both in Mattoon and throughout Southwest Missouri. He and his family moved to this area in 1981, both for job opportunities and the beauty of the Ozarks. Merrill enjoyed his family and being at home watching Cardinal games. Merrill was also a history buff. Survivors include: Seven children, Jackie Bly and husband Ron of Mattoon, Theresa Elder-Smith of Lutz, Florida, Kim Robertson of Niangua, Missouri, Carl Lewis Elder of Marshfield, Missouri, Michael Dean Elder and wife Sheila of Mattoon, Mitch Elder and wife Starla of Ozark, and Dana Campbell and husband Eric of Brighton, Missouri; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a twin sister, Jeannie Jannsen and husband Harvey of Mattoon; other relatives and friends; and his constant canine companion, Fritz. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda in 2008, his parents, two brothers, Bub and Dick, and two sisters, Katherine and Bette. A graveside funeral will be 1:00 PM Monday, March 4, in Andrews Cemetery near Rose Hill, Illinois. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri.