David Fred Elder

1934 - 2025

David Fred Elder

December 4, 1934 - July 26, 2025

David Frederick "Fred" Elder, organist at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church for 35 years, entered eternal life on July 26, 2025, after a courageous ten-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Fred was born December 4, 1934, in Struthers, Ohio. He began studying piano at age eight, and became his church's regular organist four years later. He was one of fifteen organ students accepted at the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance in 1957, and a Master of Music just twelve months later. After serving in the Navy, where he played saxophone in the Navy band, he became Organist/Director of Music at First Congregational Church in Port Huron, Michigan, and began doctoral work at the University of Michigan.

Fred was hired as organist at Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa in 1964. He continued doctoral studies at the University of Oklahoma, and married Barbara Benefiel, his predecessor as organist at Boston Avenue, in 1972.

Fred was very involved in the American Guild of Organists, serving twice as local chapter dean, holding state and regional offices, chairing regional convention committees, traveling the country as an AGO recitalist, and serving on the national AGO Council. He presented recitals in England, Holland, and Canada, and attended organ academies in Haarlem, Netherlands, and Paris, France. He also performed with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and is listed in American Keyboard Organists.

He was named Director of Music at Boston Avenue Church in 1989, retiring in January, 2000. Friends and colleagues honored him on his 30th anniversary at the church by endowing The Fred Elder Recital Series, which has brought many of the world's best organists to Tulsa. Olivier Latry, titular organist at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, will present the next Fred Elder Recital on October 12 at 5:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Fred is survived by his sister in law, Jean Elder, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His beloved wife Barbara preceded him in death on July 23, 2020, during the Covid pandemic. Since it was not possible to hold a service for her at that time, a celebration of both of their lives will be held Tuesday, September 30, at 2:00 p.m. at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. It will also be live streamed at https://www.bostonavenue.org/life-events/ for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The Fred Elder Recital Series or the Organ Fund at Boston Avenue Church, or to the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra in honor of Fred and Barbara.