Orin William Elder

Orin William Elder, 91, peacefully passed away September 1, 2020 after a short stay at Rolling Hills Health Center in Topeka, KS. Orin was born on September 13, 1928 in Smith County, KS in the same home where his mother was born. He was the youngest of nine children born to Arnold Franklin Elder and Susan Frances Kinion. Orin's siblings included Willard, Keith, Vera, Vinta, Lowell, and three who died in infancy. Orin was involved in football and played on several different high school teams being coached by his brothers Keith and Willard. His team went undefeated his junior year in Bellville Kansas. During his senior year Orin went to Red Cloud NE high school where he needed one credit to graduate which led him to be on the Red Cloud boxing team. The team went to Omaha for a Boys Town Boxing Invitational where Orin won the Nebraska State Championship in the heavyweight division. After graduating from Red Cloud High School in 1946, he attended Hastings College, Hastings, NE. His first employment was as a one room schoolhouse teacher in District #3, Webster County, NE. When his best friend stopped by to see Orin's boxing trophy, he was accompanied by and introduced Orin to Mary Lou Dick. Orin married Mary Lou Dick on August 6, 1947 in Mankato KS. Orin and Mary Lou had four children. William (Bill) John Elder, Betty Lou Elder, Carol Ann Elder Morris (Bob) and Robert Orin Elder (Lori). He often commented on how much he enjoyed his family. Anyone who knew Orin knew that he was a loving father and husband. In addition to teaching and farming in northern Smith County KS, Orin also worked for contractors doing dirt work building terraces, ponds, etc. In 1957, the family moved to Kirwin KS where he worked on building the Kirwin Dam. Orin became well known for his work as an inspector for the Bureau of Reclamation and worked on numerous large dam building projects across northern KS; including Kirwin, Norton, and Glen Elder. He enjoyed working with contractors in the building projects with his last endeavor on the Nebraska Calamus River project. He retired from the Bureau with 25 years of service. During all this time he also engaged in a farming and cattle operation. Orin's hobbies included square and round dancing, playing cards with grandkids, and horseback riding. The first week in August every year included celebrating their wedding anniversary and attending the Phillipsburg Rodeo and Parade. Any and all were welcome. Orin would have a horse to ride for anyone wanting to ride in the parade or Grand Entry at the rodeo. August was also a time for putting up hay. He made sure there was always enough hay for the cows to get through the winter. Most of all, Orin enjoyed traveling with his family. Once Orin retired he and the love of his life (Mary Lou) took many trips across the country in their RV, traveling to every state and on several cruises. He enjoyed boating and tubing. Orin was always one to tell many stories of his life and would share those stories with anyone who would listen. He loved to read western books and had many on the shelf that he would read many times. Orin was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his oldest son, William (Bill) John and grandson Hayden. He is survived by his wife of 73 years and three children daughters Betty Lou, Carol Ann (Bob) and youngest son, Robert Orin (Lori). He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Private graveside services will be held. A memorial has been established with One Room One Teacher, University of Nebraska Kearney Scholarship Program.