Lewis John Elder

LEWIS JOHN ELDER, I was born March 22,1942 to Thomas Haliburton Elder and Helen Louise Herring Elder in San Angelo, Texas. I had an older brother, James Thomas Elder. I lived in San Angelo until the age of 20, attending public schools and San Angelo Junior College. I had a great childhood, and a wonderful family. I was baptized and regularly attended First Methodist Church, San Angelo, TX, where I participated in many church activities. I was a boy scout in Troop 1. I attained the rank of Eagle Scout at 12 years old. I had the honor of holding the record of being the first 12 year old Eagle Scout in San Angelo. Scouting was a significant part of my childhood. Outside of normal family activities, my parents took us on yearly vacations to teach us about our country. We lived next door to my grandparents. My grandfather, Hubbard Herring, had an extensive collection of Western and American Indian artifacts and I remember how great a story teller he was.I joined the Navy in 1962, went to boot camp in San Diego then to Yeoman school. I was transferred to San Juan, Puerto Rico where the greatest thing happened to me. I had a blind date with, fell in love with and married the love of my life, Miriam, August 15, 1965. I finished my four year enlistment in Newport, Rhode Island. Miriam and I then moved to Houston, Texas to start our lives. I went to University of Houston for the final two years. In 1968, we purchased our first home in Houston. Then came the next two loves of my life, our daughters, Julie Michelle and Karen Leslie. God blessed us with our family. I enjoyed the growing up years of the girls. In 1981, my mother gave us a motor home, and we traveled all around the country camping out and having wonderful adventures. I could not have asked for a better life than I had. As far as my career, I began working in accounting at Hess Oil Company in 1968, then to Diamondhead Corp. in both accounting and purchasing in 1975. I became Business Manager of Crosby Independent School District in 1978. In 1984, I went to work for Galena Park Independent School District. I started there as Controller then established the Purchasing Department and became the Purchasing Director. I retired in November 1998. On August 2,1999, we moved to Missouri City, TX.Julie and Karen have blessed us with five grandchildren, Rachel, Preston, Joel II, Anna Grace, and Jenna. Being a husband, dad and a grandfather are the highlights of my life. The career was just to be able to support, retire and enjoy my family.I have a strong faith in God. Jesus has blessed me so much. My desire in life is to have God, my family and friends say "he certainly was a follower of Jesus Christ" My hobbies have been church centered. After retirement, I began learning to cook for different church events. It is my ministry and I can truly say it is my hobby as well. I enjoyed spending time with friends and I started several men's groups over the years. In 2011, I took up the 5 string Banjo and have enjoyed learning to play. September 2016, I started volunteering at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and thoroughly enjoyed visiting, calling and even praying with senior citizens during their hospital stay. Lewis is survived by his wife, Miriam Elder, his daughter Julie Potter and her husband Joel, his daughter Karen Singley and her husband Darryl. Grandchildren Rachel Wood and her husband Christopher, Preston Elder and his wife Kimberly, Joel Potter II, Anna Grace Potter and Jenna Strong. Although we would love to be with extended family and friends, we believe it would be Lewis's wish that we would honor him in a way that would best protect his family and his friends during these difficult times. Therefore, a private Celebration of Life ceremony for the immediate family is being planned. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may send it to The Harvest United Methodist Church for their Lifegroup Ministries. https://harvestumc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/harvest-memorial-lewis-elder

Lewis John Elder

March 22, 1942 - December 31, 2020