Jimmy Ray Elder

Services for Jimmy Ray Elder, 93, Linwood will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Basehor United Methodist Church, Basehor, KS.  The burial will follow at Mt. Sidney Cemetery in Linwood, KS.  The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Basehor United Methodist Church.

Jimmy was born February 5, 1931, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Robert and Hattie Edythe (Swaim Tudhope) Elder. Jimmy died on November 9, 2024, with family by his side.

Jimmy was a lifelong member of the Linwood United Methodist Church, where he was active in many capacities and later moved his membership to Basehor United Methodist Church. He was the Fire Chief for 32 years for the Sherman Township Fire Department.  He always enjoyed supporting and was very active in various community organizations, youth and school activities.  Jimmy and Edna won the Kansas Corn Growers Yield 16 times and traveled for each award. They also shared a love of dancing and used their basement for many youths and 4-H square dancing events.  They taught their grandchildren how to two-step. Edna taught the gentleman and Jimmy taught the ladies.

He married Edna Irene Henik on June 9, 1951, in Lawrence, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife, Edna, his brother Robert Elder, his sister Roberta Johnson and grandson Ray Garcillano.

Survivors include his children, LeRoy (Joyce) Elder, Linwood; Sandra “Sandy” (Ron) Hill, Topeka; six grandchildren, Michael (Jennifer) Elder, Crystal (Mike) Best, Kevin (Sara) Elder, Jessica (Ray) Garcillano, Brendan (Liza) Zahn, Allison (Nick) Reif, great-grandchildren, Trinity Zahn, Mollie Elder, Antonin Johnson, Austin Best, Chloe Elder, Abby Elder, Makayla Best, William Zahn, Noah Elder, Emma Elder, Drew Elder, Letty Best, Jimmy Cavin Zahn, Cooper Reif, and Tori Garcillano.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy’s name to the Leavenworth County 4-H Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com .