Robert “Bob” Elder, 79 years of age, of Tooele, Utah, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved family and friends by his side April 9, 2020.
Bob is survived by his wife Deborah; children Bob, Trisha, Tommy, Suzy, Liz, and Josh; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents William Elder and Virginia Creekmoore; and his brother Jack Elder.
Bob was born Nov. 28, 1940, in Middletown, Kentucky. Bob joined the U.S. Army and served his country in Vietnam. He ultimately settled in Tooele, Utah, where he lived most of his adult life with his “Bride” and best friend Deborah. After retirement from Tooele Army Depot, he pursued a hand-full of business ventures and ultimately ended up finishing his professional career as an inspector in the fire and life safety industry where he was able to spend several years working with his son, Josh. The new industry suited Bob very well; he made many new friends and left a lasting impression on all those who worked side-by-side with him.
Bob loved the outdoors; camping, fishing with his friends, and even in the final years of his life was able to enjoy the outdoors with his family. He loved to explore the outdoors in his side-by-side with Deborah, tinker on a multitude of projects around the house, and always enjoyed a good movie while relaxing in his favorite chair. He was well known to be a jokester and have a witty funny joke at the ready when the opportunity presented itself. He loved to sing in his church choir, the house, or pretty much wherever he felt the desire to sing. Whenever Bob started to sing the room filled with smiles. He enjoyed spending time with his friends shooting pool at the senior center or playing some poker with his buddies. He was, without a doubt, a very social person who was well liked within many circles of friends. Bob will be missed by all who were blessed to know him, but he has left us with many memories to laugh about together.
Due to the COVID-19 virus and restrictions on group gatherings, we will defer his celebration of life service to a more appropriate and safe time this summer.