Robert C. Elder, 89, of Belleville, IL, born Sunday, January 10, 1932, in Union, MO, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021; at St. Paul’s Home in Belleville, IL.
Bob was the Owner of Elder Cadillac. He was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville IL. He was a heavy equipment operator in the United States Seabees. He worked for E.B. Jones in 1950 until 1966 where Jones backed Bob in building his own Cadillac dealership. Bob was also a member of Sons of the American Revolution, Lifetime member of the St. Louis Auto Racing Club, Cadillac Dealer of the Year in 1994 and Rotarian of the Year in 2003. He was in the National Guard and served as a Veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Bob was a gracious warmhearted loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. His love for racing was endless as he never missed a race on TV and enjoyed going to his beloved Sprint Car races. Bob was very proud of his #55 Sprint Car which won 18 National Championships and competed in 116 feature races. Bob was raised on a farm in Villa Ridge, MO until age 18. He was a farmer at heart and loved going to his farm in Villa Ridge, MO and driving his tractors. Bob was also a Rotarian with St. Clair County West and was the King of Chili Day for many years. He did volunteer work for both the Violence Prevention Center and the American Cancer Society. Bob had the gift of gab and enjoyed talking to whomever he met along his journey and never met a stranger.
He was preceded in death by his:
- First wife: Lois A., nee Sisk, Elder
- Second wife: Beulah, Penry-Elder
- Daughter: Cynthia Elder
- Parents: Stanley R. and Hazel A., nee Jones, Elder
- Brother: Donald J. Elder
Surviving are his:
- Sons
- Jeff (Kate) Elder of Belleville, IL
- Dean (Carol) Elder of Millstadt, IL
- Grandchildren
- Alex Elder
- Kelsey Elder
- Ashley (Tyler) Mueth
- Erica (Cadence) Kirchner
- Great grandchildren
- Stella Mueth
- Barrett Mueth
- Many nieces and nephews
- Dear friends including the racing community he followed dearly
The family would like to thank his faithful caregivers; De Gimpel, Kathy Rauk and Nancy Hartmann for all the care they gave Bob. Special thanks to Sis Briley for her support.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Matthew United Methodist Church.
Visitation: Visitation from 3:00 – 7:00 pm, Sunday, March, 28, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Larry Patton officiating. Interment at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
6 Comments To "Robert C. Elder"
#1 Comment By Margaret Lowery On March 25, 2021 @ 9:05 pm
Jeff, Kate and the entire Elder Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful man, a true gentleman and loyal Rotarian. He will be missed. I express my love and concern to your family thru this difficult time.
#2 Comment By Percy L McKinney On March 26, 2021 @ 2:31 pm
A true gentleman. Always kind and gracious. He was the embodiment of the Rotary “Four Way” test. percy mckinney
#3 Comment By Sandy Hakanson Konrad On March 28, 2021 @ 2:13 pm
Bob was a dear friend to me and my entire family. He and Beulah Brought support and kindness during my husband’s illness. He and Beulah were so fortunate to find each other and enjoy their lives together. It was so nice to be able to trust your car dealer from the first car, a 66 Buick Electra through several Cadillacs. He sponsored me in Rotary when women were allowed to become members for which I will always be grateful. He set the standard for a good man, husband, father and friend. Love, Sandy
#4 Comment By mike hall On April 4, 2021 @ 10:43 am
On behalf of the Illinois Secretary of State Auto Show committee our condolences to the family. Bob was a member of our committee for many years and always was a positive supporter. Mike Hall, Chief Judge
#5 Comment By Jim Braun On April 4, 2021 @ 3:15 pm
Jeff and Dean,
I just learned of your Dad’s passing and ask that you accept my sincere condolences to yourself nd the rest of your family.
It was a pleasure to have known him and spent some time with him either when we visited The Dealership, or on weekends when when the three of you would pick me up at my home to take a ride to a movie or elsewhere, and he was driving as I recall a blue ’73 Eldorado convertible that I think was Lois’ personal car.
He was a very gracious man and easy to communicate with as well. I recall spending time on Saturday Mornings washing the “loaner cars” at the dealership.
Jeff, I recall him asking you as to how your Yellow Plymouth Duster seemed to have a need for frequent front end repairs. I hope that you at some time at least explained to him it was that sharp incline at the 52nd Street rail crossing. LOL!
Jim Braun
#6 Comment By Georgia Dunlap On September 12, 2021 @ 4:39 pm
Bob was my cousin. I also grew up in Villa Ridge, MO on a neighboring farm but was 16 years younger. His dad and my dad, George Elder, were brothers. I didn’t hardly get to know him til a few years ago when he and his second wife, Beulah, visited at our Aunt Jeans funeral. After that we visited several times in person and by phone. I enjoyed his interest in the genealogy of the Elder family. I too am interested in it. I am very sorry I didn’t know he had passed away. I called to talk to him probably just before and talked to a caregiver but never heard back. My condolences to his children and grandchildren. Georgia (Elder) Dunlap