Robert Macrum Elder

Robert Macrum Elder, 100, of Huntingdon, PA died on the morning of January 14, 2026 at the residence that he shared with his great nephew, Albert Wilson and his family. Born July 17, 1925 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late George Howard and Anna (Macrum) Elder.

Mr. Elder is survived by a sister, Susan Voss Malcolm of Niskayuna, NY as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers: George Howard Elder Jr., and Thomas Moale Elder; and three sisters: Lois Wade Young, Anne Macrum Elder, and Mary North Orville.

Mr. Elder grew up on a poultry farm with a fruit orchard in Hydes, MD with his parents, six siblings, an aunt, an uncle, and five cousins.

Mr. Elder was a 1942 graduate of Towson High School, Towson, MD. After high school, he attended Washington College, Chestertown, MD, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He then enrolled at Bexley Hall Seminary School, Gambier, OH, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity.

Mr. Elder enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958 and served as a U.S. Navy Chaplain during the Vietnam War. In addition to serving in Vietnam, he was also stationed in Okinawa, Japan; Pearl Harbor, HI, Long Beach, CA; Norfolk, NC; Bermuda; Brunswick, ME; and Bethesda, MD. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1984, after 26 years of service, attaining the rank of Captain. He then served as an Episcopal priest in the Baltimore, MD area, Virginia, and Newfoundland.

Mr. Elder's love of trains brought him to Huntingdon, PA in 2005. Here he became a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Huntingdon, where he also served as an interim priest when called upon.

Mr. Elder lived a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet generosity. He found community wherever he went, forming lasting friendships that he was able to maintain through personal correspondence. He was central to preserving connections within the extended Elder family, writing letters, updating the family tree, and hosting numerous family reunions-often in celebration of his older sister Susan's birthday.

Through the years, Mr. Elder had a variety of hobbies and interests. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, canning, baking, and cooking. He loved to go camping and canoeing. He enjoyed traveling, including a cross-country train trip at the age of 99 with his nephew George. During harvest seasons, he would often make jams and pickles, not only for his own use, but to share with friends and family. He upheld family traditions and shared them with younger generations-from making plum pudding and lighting candles on the tree at Christmas time to celebrating his birthday by making mint juleps with his nephew Jim, in honor of a long-standing ritual for his mother's birthday.

Mr. Elder was unwavering in his kindness and service to others, characterized by a quiet humility and gentle nature. He was an example to many, including his young nephews and niece who had the privilege of residing with him, as they were consistently met with his kind and patient presence, marked by warmth and respect for others. He will be deeply missed.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 212 Penn Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in remembrance of Robert Macrum Elder may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church.

To sign an online guest book and express condolences, visit www.johnbbrownfuneralhome.com.