Grady Elder

Grady Franklyn Elder was born January 23, 1949 in Salina, Kansas to Jean Elder Ethridge and the late Frank G. Elder. Grady died on August 21, 2007 at his home in La Cygne, Kansas. He attended Hedville and Humbarger Elementary, Salina Central High School and graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Art Education in 1971. He played football and wrestled while he earned his degree. Grady taught art and coached wrestling at Prairie View High School from 1972 until he retired in 2003. After his retirement, he remained busy as a real estate agent, licensed in Kansas and Missouri. An avid bowhunter and fisherman, he enjoyed outdoor sports and was a long time member of the Kansas Bowhunter's Association and Whitetails Unlimited. He married Linda (Wicke) Elder on January 2, 1971. She survives of the home. They have two daughters, Erica Elder, Austin, Texas and Frankie Howard, son-in-law Mike Howard and his "best buddy," grandson Ashton Howard of LaCygne, Kansas. Other survivors include sisters Faye Clements and husband Marvin: Hutchison, Kansas, Carol Doran and husband Rick: Harlan, Iowa, Lynne Anderson and husband Clayton: Smolan, Kansas and brothers Bryan Elder and wife Pam: Yukon, Oklahoma, and Lyle Elder: Independence, Kansas, six nieces and fifteen nephews. A Memorial Party will be held at the LaCygne Community Building on Saturday, August 25th at 6:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Grady's name to "Kids In Need," a community fund, of which he was a founder. Memorials can be sent to LaCygne City Hall, attention: Kids In Need (P.O. Box 600, LaCygne, KS 66040). On line condolences for the family can be left at www.coffelschneider.com. Arrangements: Coffel-Schneider, LaCygne, Kansas.