Richard Elder

Richard ‘Dick’ Allen Elder, Sr., 80, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2017, surrounded by his family at Collier Hospice Center. Born on June 2, 1937, in Denver, he graduated from Denver West High School and University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. While serving in the Army in California, he met the love of his life, Betty Jo Carter. Dick was an educator and taught physical education at Bear Creek Elementary and Fitzmorris Elementary. After getting his Master’s Degree, he was a counselor at Drake Junior High School for many years. He retired after 32 years from Jefferson County Public Schools. Dick enjoyed fishing, cheering on the Broncos, playing poker with friends, travel, reading, and especially spending time with his kids and grandkids. He is survived by Betty, his wife of 54 years, his children Richard Allen Elder, Jr. (Deirdre) and Kimberly Ann Neessen (Eric), grandchildren Katie and Daniel Elder and Jonathon, Mitchell and Benjamin Neessen, as well as many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 8 at 11 am at Family in Christ Community Church, 11355 N. Sheridan Blvd., Westminster, CO 80020. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Medical Center Hospice.