Donald Eugen Elder, 91, of Herculaneum died Oct. 16, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Elder was known as a hardworking man who taught others that life doesn’t always hand you what you want; you must work for it and keep going even when things get tough. He enjoyed making children laugh by talking like “Donald Duck” and telling jokes. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and the peacefulness of country life. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely. Born July 11, 1935, in Eldorado, Ill., he was the son of the late Zoa (Alvey) and William Earl Elder.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years: Marcella (Bradley) Elder; four children: Pamela (Dwain) Naragon of Hillsboro, Michael (Sheila Sales) Elder of Festus, Jeffery (Glenda) Elder of Hillsboro and Cindy Elder of Ballwin; four grandchildren: Ryan (Bethany), Adam (Kacie), Caleb and Tyler (Jessie); and four great-grandchildren Alivia, Kinslie, Addison and Braxton.
He was preceded in death by seven siblings: Bernida (the late Paul) Bond, Loretta (the late Jake) Baird, Vernell (the late Dorothy) Elder, Jimmy (the late Mary) Elder, William (the late Angie) Elder, Iona (the late Bugs) McCoy and Naomi (the late Don) Mathis.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Visitation will resume from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Zion Lutheran Church, 310 Central Ave., in Pevely, 63070, officiated by Pastor Bryan Roberts. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.