Robert "Bob" Harmon Elder, 91, died January 24, 2020 at his home in Dodge City.  He was born on September 10, 1928 in WaKeeney, the son of Harmon and Ada Marie (McDaniel) Elder.

Shortly after Bob was born, his family moved to Dodge City.  He attended Dodge City schools.  As a young boy, Bob worked for Fairmont Dairy.  On January 8, 1947, Bob joined the United States Army and served as a paratrooper, stationed in Japan.  Bob was honorably discharged on March 11, 1950.  After his discharge, Bob returned to Dodge City, where he owned and operated Top Hat Tavern.  On November 2, 1957, Bob married Alice McGlade at the Baptist Church in Garden City.  The couple made their home in Dodge City.

Bob worked as a shop foreman for Mayrath Manufacturing.  When the company moved from Dodge City, Bob took a job with the United States Post Office. He retired from the post office after 28 years of service.  Bob was not one to sit idle.  He drove truck for the Miller family farm, enjoyed Friday night pitch games with family and friends, tended to his collection of iris bulbs, and spent time with his beloved dogs, Tippy and Tiny.

Bob was very active in the community.  He was president of the Iris Club of Dodge City; lifetime member of Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W.; member of the Masonic Lodge #222; and was a member of the Midian Shrine. As a Shriner, Bob often helped to transport children to the various Shrine Hospitals for treatment.  Bob could be found in many parades and events as one of the many Shrine Clowns.  He was also a very active bowler, traveling to many bowling events.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alice of Dodge City; step-daughter, Ramona Abeyta of Denver, Colorado; two step granddaughters, Jacqueline Moor and husband Willis and Cindy Mora and husband Ruben all of Denver, Colorado; step grandson, John Abeyta and wife Bired of Chicopee, Massachusetts; two step great grandsons, Brian Abeyta and wife Traci of Denver, Colorado and Michael Mora and wife Kim of Canyon City, Colorado; two great-great grandsons, Lincoln Abeyta and Landon Mora; several nieces and nephews, including Pam Pyle and husband Michael Augustine of Dodge City; Tina Gerber and husband Lanny of Dodge City; and Mark Elder and wife Stephanie of Basehor.  Bob is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Fred and Herschel Elder and Bud Rowton; and two sisters, Mickey Duncan and Carol Thomas.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding.  Inurnment will be at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in Ft. Dodge.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from noon to 8:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shriners Children's Hospital or the Masonic Lodge #222 of Dodge City in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.