William J. Elder Jr., 85

MILLSBORO - William J. Elder Jr., of Millsboro, formerly of Secane, Pa., passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, in the Little Flower Manor Nursing Home, Darby, Pa. He was 85.

He was born in Kensington, Pa., son of the late William J. and Elsie (Kerschner) Elder.

He was a Bell Telephone installer, retiring in 1982 after 38 years of service.

William served with the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard and the Telephone Pioneers.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing and reading, and was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.

William loved his family very much and enjoyed spending time with them.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, M. Jane Elder, in 2001.

He is survived by two sons, William J. Elder III and his wife Susan of Drexel Hill, Pa., and Gary H. Elder and his wife Margaret J. of Broomall, Pa.; daughter, Janet E. Whitehill and her husband Joseph of Orefield, Pa.; his sisters, Elsie Cope and her husband William of Orlando, Fla., and Florence "Sis" Steer of Cannonsburg, Pa.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may call after 12:30 p.m.

Interment with military honors will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions in William's memory to American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.