Robert L. Elder was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 15, 1933. His parents were Lewis and Pearl Elder, both deceased. He graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1951. Robert attended Roberts Wesleyan College and then served the United States Army in Colorado Springs for two years where he met and married LaVonne Dragoo in 1957. He and his wife returned to New York where he graduated from Roberts Wesleyan in 1961. Robert wanted to be a minister in the church, but the Lord called him instead to minister to children, teachers, parents, and co-workers. They moved their family to Florida where he received his master’s degree in education. He began his educational ministry teaching at Lancaster Elementary for five years, then becoming the first principal at Hiawassee Elementary. The last position he held as principal was at Lakemont Elementary, through which his outstanding talents and contributions were recognized and he was chosen to be the first Director of Elementary Programs for Orange County Public Schools. His accomplishments also include being President of the Florida PTA and Phi Delta Kappa. Later in his career he taught classes and became an administrator for Nova University in Orlando. He was known as ‘The Music Man’ for Orange County Public Schools and sang at many conferences and schools, weddings, churches, and even a half-time show for an Orlando Magic game. Robert had two sisters, Harriet Billington and Betty West, both deceased. He is survived by his wife LaVonne, daughters Robin Elder of Temecula, CA and Caci Maccario of Longwood, FL, and grandson Joel MacDonald, who were the joy of his life as he was theirs, and many friends and neighbors who loved him for his sense of humor and sweet spirit. To know him was a privilege, and to be in his circle of friends and family, an honor. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Loomis Family Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Faith in Action, a ministry to judges, congressmen, and senators in Washington P.O. Box 96204, Washington D.C. 20090-6204.