Barry Elder Sr.
October 7, 1934 — November 16, 2017
Barry Lee Elder Sr. of Marietta passed away at home November 16, 2017. Barry was born October 7, 1934 to Oran and Meredith Elder of Clairton, Pennsylvania.
He graduated from Clairton High School and then entered the armed forces as a proud Marine serving as a sergeant in Korea. Barry came to Marietta and enrolled in Marietta College as a returning G.I.. He was a member of the football team and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Barry married Sandra Smith while in college and they lived in the Veterans Barracks Apartments on campus. He and Sandra were married at the Christ Memorial Church in Williamstown on July 5, 1958, where they were members. Barry was also a member of the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, when they moved to Columbus. He worked as an accountant for the Cleveland Browns and Kentucky Fried Chicken and later became controller of White Castle Corporate Office in Columbus. While living in Upper Arlington, Barry was a dedicated Boy Scout troop leader. He organized very successful troop Christmas tree sales and accompanied Troop 555 to the Grand Tetons. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Upper Arlington Band Boosters. Barry had lasting friendships with his Lambda Chi Alpha brothers, and enjoyed golfing and Marietta College Homecoming activities with them.
Barry is survived; by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Smith Elder, their daughter Carrie Elder and her three daughters, Paige, Samantha, and Erin of North Caroline and his son Barry (Chip) Elder Jr. of Marietta. He is survived by his sisters; Deloris Gonzalez of Miami Beach, Florida, Amy Elder of Pittsburg, and Gretchen Chelli and her husband Ron of Pittsburg, his sister in law Sally Smith Wesel and many nieces and nephews.
As per Barry’s wishes he was cremated. A private memorial service with full military honors was held at Roberts Funeral Home, Marietta. Sandra and her family are thankful for the guidance and care of Hospice, Barry’s nurses and Chaplain Willie Hood. Contributions made in memory of Barry may be made to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, 90 Mount Tom Road, Marietta, Ohio 45750.