Obituary: James David Elder, 67, Bardstown

James David Elder, 67, of Bardstown, died Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Flaget Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born Oct. 15, 1957, in Bardstown to the late James Spalding and Mae Louise “Mazie” Harris Elder.

He was a retired journeyman millwright for Cimco, TCI and Millwright Local 1076. After his retirement he was head of special projects at Blend Pak. He led a life of faith. He was a hardworking coach and teacher and was a loving “Pops” to his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening and fishing, and could fix and build anything. He was a devout Catholic and member of St. Michael Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 1290.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Katherine.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Clark Elder; two daughters, Leah (Stevie) Edelen, Anna (Harrison) Rogers, both of Bardstown; two sons, Matt (Tara) Elder of Bardstown and Michael Elder of Holy Cross; five sisters, Dawn (Wally) Bowling of Fairfield, Danette “Cookie” (David) Barnes of Bardstown, Dee Ann (Joe) Crush, Kim (Steve) Hile and Beth (David) Neltner, all of Louisville; one brother, Doug (Lisa) Elder of Bardstown; seven grandchildren, Steven Edelen, Grant Edelen, Carter Edelen, Olivia Elder, Hadley Elder, Beckett, Elder and Knox Elder; and several nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church in Fairfield with the Rev. Thomas Clark and the Rev. Kirby Rust officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery.

Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2025 and 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday,, March 11, 2025, with a 6 p.m. Monday prayer service.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to St. Michael Catholic Church.

The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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