David J. Elder, I

   David John Elder I, 59, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after an extensive medical journey on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Elliott Hospital.
   

David was born on May 15, 1964 in Plattsburgh, New York. As a child, you could never find him indoors, as he spent his days adventuring until the sun went down. Years in the foster care system inspired him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps from 1983-1987 during the battle of Beirut as a combat engineer. His time spent serving provided him with the chance to see the world, make lifelong friends, and find purpose in life. Following his service, he settled in New Hampshire where he went on to work for the Town of Temple as a Police Officer for many years.
 

  David was not only known for his larger than life stature, but for his incredible sense of humor.  He was his family’s rock, mentor, and practical jokester. David adored the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. He especially loved family gatherings, long drives, classic rock, watching countless “cheesy” sci-fi movies, spending time with his children and trips to the beach. He also had a passion for classic cars, baseball, and Pink Floyd. David was also an avid video game and gun enthusiast, having been a lifetime member of the NRA and the Curios of Classic Guns.

 

   David is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his children; Ashley Elder and her partner, Joseph Miller of Orange, MA, Joshua Chouinard of Miami, FL, Kelley Elder-Rivera and her husband Zion of Wahiawa, HI, Holley Elder of Bow, David John Elder II also of Bow, Kaytlyn Elder of Manchester, and Gryphon Marshall Elder and his partner Diana Cantin of Manchester; five grandchildren, Wyatt Wajda, Ava Cole, Edward Mahoney, Caleb St. Lawrence,  and David John Elder III; the mothers of his children, April Elder of Bow and Nancy Crowley of Manchester; three siblings, Karen Boelzner of Manchester, Laurie LeDuc and Wayne Elder both of New York, and his father Albert Elder of California. He was predeceased by his mother, Marion (Drollette) Elder.
 

  SERVICES: Calling hours are Thursday (7/27) from 12-2 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street in Manchester. A private graveside service will be held for family and close friends at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.
 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in David’s name may be made to his funeral fundraiser using the following link:
https://gofund.me/60c8932d