James Elder

James Elder of Carlisle, Ark., passed away Saturday, June 8, 2013, in Springhill Hospital in North Little Rock, Ark., surrounded by family members who loved him dearly. James was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Pearl Elder and brothers, Lloyd Elder and Frank Brewer. James was born Sept. 12, 1930, and spent his life in Carlisle except for two years while serving in the Army. He worked with his father, Frank Elder, who founded the family water well business in 1930. James assisted in the business from a very young age and throughout his adult life. He continued building the Elder Drilling Company and expanded it into a very successful business through support of family members, hard work, and honesty in all business dealings. In later years he developed an interest in farming and while participating in farming, he continued to play an active role in Elder Drilling until the very end of his life. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mickie (Griffin) Elder and sons, Frank and wife, Kathy, Don and wife Vicki; four grandchildren, Shane and wife, Amanda, Clay and wife, Meredith, Julie and husband, Eric, and Cole and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being made through Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen, Ark. Visitation will be at Westbrook Funeral Home, Monday, June 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church in Carlisle at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Carlisle First United Methodist Church or to the Carlisle Cemetery. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com.