Search by Name

Search by Name

J. Dale Elder

1953 - 2025

J. Dale Elder obituary, 1953-2025, West Sunbury, PA

FUNERAL HOME

William F. Young Funeral Home

132 Main St.

West Sunbury, Pennsylvania

J. Dale Elder Obituary

J. Dale Elder, 72, of West Sunbury, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and friends the morning of Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.
Born April 18, 1953, in Butler, he was the son of the late Charles and Ruby (Thompson) Elder. He graduated from Moniteau High School in 1971. Following graduation, he worked for Cooper Bessemer for 27 years until its closing. He retired from Chase Industries in Leechburg. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 243.
Dale loved spending his time with his family and friends. His best memories were made outdoors. On any given day, you could find him mowing grass or baling hay in all of the nearby fields. His absolute favorite pastime was fishing on his boat and watching NASCAR races with his loving and devoted friends. Dale and his wife, Cindy, loved spending time at their camp with their many dogs. Dale will be missed dearly by all who loved and knew him.
Surviving are his daughters, Melissa (Ryan) Shearer, of West Sunbury, and Heather (Travis) Altmire, of Eau Claire; two stepdaughters, Stacy Henry, of Grove City, and Tiffany (John) Dunworth, of Mercer; one stepson, Justin "Jesse" Henry, of Grove City; three grandchildren, Evan, Gabrielle and Alexis; and six stepgrandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, Thomas (Ruth) Elder, of West Sunbury; and three nephews.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruby Elder; his sister, Anna Kozak; and beloved wife, Cindy.
ELDER - Family and friends of J. Dale Elder, who died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, will be received for visitation from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at WILLIAM F. YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, 132 Main St., West Sunbury. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. with his stepdaughter, Stacy, officiating.
Dale will be laid to rest beside his wife, Cindy, at West Sunbury Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dale's memory may be made to the West Sunbury American Legion, P.O. Box 198, West Sunbury, PA 16061.
If desired, online condolences may be sent to www.williamfyoungfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Butler Eagle on Aug. 29, 2025.

Memorial Events
for J. Dale Elder

Aug

30

Visitation

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

William F. Young Funeral Home

132 Main St., West Sunbury, PA 16061

Aug

30

Funeral service

2:00 p.m.

William F. Young Funeral Home

132 Main St., West Sunbury, PA 16061

Funeral services provided by:

William F. Young Funeral Home

132 Main St., West Sunbury, PA 16061

Memories and Condolences
for J. Dale Elder

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Stephanie Austin

August 29, 2025

Looking at this picture, I can just hear Dale's voice. He was a good friend to my Dad, and to me since the day he told my Dad goodbye.
My 11 year old son still talks about when his Pap would let him sit front seat of the truck and they would go see Mr. Dale. Even after moving to Florida, David looked forward to my Dad taking him out to see Dale.
My sincerest condolences to all the friends and family of Dale.

Beth Hutchison

August 29, 2025

My deepest sympathies to the family. He will be dearly missed.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in J. Dale Elder's name

How to support J. Dale's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor J. Dale Elder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more