Junior F. Elder

Colonel Junior Franklin Elder, of Topeka, began his journey in Heaven on Monday, September 26, 2022. It was always his goal to live to be 100 and he passed away peacefully on Earth in the presence of family at the age of 102. He was born on September 13, 1920 on his family farm near Leoti, KS to James and Katherine (Thompson) Elder. Born third to the youngest of 20 children, the family lived in rural southwest Wichita County, KS where his father was a farmer, salesman and teacher until his early death in 1930. Junior, known as "Nin" to his family, learned about the love of family from both of his parents. He also learned plenty about determination from his mother.

At the age of 20, he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard as a stenographer. He was immediately called to extended active duty and assigned to the Selective Service System in Topeka in October 1940. Junior married Constance "Eddie" (Dagwell) Elder in November 1942 and they celebrated their wedding day by traveling to Western Kansas by train so he could vote for his mother (running for county clerk in Leoti) for the first time. By May 1943, he was assigned to the 250th Station Hospital and in 1944 shipped to the European Theatre in Southern England where he wrote a letter every day to his family back home. Junior returned to Kansas in 1945.

He graduated from Washburn University in 1949 and from Washburn University School of Law in 1951. Junior had the unique opportunity to be appointed State Director of Selective Service System in 1972 as the first candidate appointed who was not Adjutant General of Kansas. His tenure expanded through three wars: World War II, Korean and Vietnam. He was decorated by the Selective Service with three of the highest awards including Selective Service Distinguished Service gold medal, which is the agency's highest honor. Combining his military and civil service, Junior gave over sixty years to the state and nation in the Selective Service Program. He was the last to serve as Selective Service Director for the state of Kansas and inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame in 2002.

He was highly involved in the community with church, civic clubs, professional clubs, military associations, the Kansas Bar Association, the Boy Scouts of America, Topeka Downtown Optimist Club, Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post #1 and others. He was also a generous supporter of First Baptist Church of Topeka, United Way, Stormont-Vail Medical Center and Washburn University.

His greatest pleasure was connecting with others, whether that was spending time with family and friends or volunteering. He also always looked forward to annual family reunions. He loved Jesus and loved people. He was always encouraging, smiling, joyful and shining the love of Christ every single day. He was never short of stories to share and often he'd start to laugh in the middle of a story. Others didn't know the punchline yet; however, his laughter was contagious and whether the story finished or not everyone had a good laugh.

When reflecting on his life, Junior said it was good to him. He attributed his long life to his strong faith in God, steady breathing, naps, a good night's sleep and appreciating every day. His hard work ethic and commitment to others was beyond measure, however when giving career advice recently he said what's most important is to find something that will make you truly happy. He will be deeply missed by all who love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 19 siblings Roy, Susie, William, Carl, Harmon, Elsie, Bessie, Dick, Opal, Wes, Dennis, Violet, Ethel, LaVina, Mary, Billie, Hope, Harry and Tom; and his wife Eddie. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Mary Jane Fitzpatrick Elder; children Kenneth "Ken" (Jeanne) Elder of Topeka, Beverly "Bev" (Lowell) Campbell of Louisville, CO, Maurice "Maury" (Karen) Elder of Wichita, KS, Pamela "Pam" (Kenny) Lierz of Topeka, Patricia "Patty" Williams of Edmond, OK; grandchildren Tasha, Stacey, Matthew, Mark, Tracy, Brent, Heather and Holly; 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation will begin at 10 am Monday, October 17, 2022 followed by a celebration of life service at 11 am at Mount Hope Chapel, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka, KS. Inurnment with military honors will follow the service at Mount Hope Cemetery.

The family asks that gifts in memoriam may be made to Let's Help (200 South Kansas Ave, 66603), Interim Healthcare of Topeka (1251 SW Arrowhead Road, Ste 103, 66604) or First Baptist Church (3033 SW Macvicar Ave, 66611).

To leave a message for Junior's family, please visit the guestbook below.

Junior's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.