Obituary of Michael Joe Elder

Michael Joe Elder passed away on May 15, 2019, in St Petersburg, FL. Michael will be laid to rest at 11:00 AM,  June 11, 2019 where his grandparents are, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Ardmore, OK.

He was born on May 12, 1955 in Oklahoma City, OK to Claude Jackson Elder Jr. and Allie LaGwin Elder.

He was the oldest of three boys.  Mike grew up in Winter Park, FL where as a boy, Mike played Baseball, Football and later enjoyed surfing with his many friends.  Mike entered the Navy in 1972 and shipped off to Southeast Asia to serve honorably in the Vietnam War.

As Mike grew older he enjoyed fishing, friends and cars. Michael had many friends during his life and saw many things.  He was very close with his mother Gwin, with whom he shared many fun times and memories with. Michael had been diagnosed with Lung Cancer and was making the most of everyday he could.  He was a true believer in our Lord and is now in Heaven with his family that went before him.

Michael was preceded in death by his children Michelle, Julia, Jeremy and his lifetime partner Rebecca Ware. 

He will be greatly missed by his surviving family, including his mother, Gwin Elder, father, Jack Elder, brothers: Mitch (Dorothy Elder, children: Mitchell and Margo) and Craig (Melissa, child Matthew) and daughter, Amber, many nieces, nephews and cousins.