Rev. Mack H. Elder

Reverend Mack H. Elder December 3, 1951 – June 19, 2025 Reverend Mack H. Elder was a devoted servant of God, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and respected community leader. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on December 3, 1951, to Dorothy Rutledge and Eugene Tarlton, he was raised in Cumberland, Kentucky, on Sanctified Hill by John C. Elder and Daisy Mae Elder. He was later cared for and nurtured by Annie Lois Elder, who instilled in him the guiding principle to "Trust the Lord with all your heart." After completing his early education in East Benham, Kentucky, he joined the U.S. Army. He pursued higher education at Southeast Community College and Mohegan Community College in Norwich, Connecticut, where he earned an associate degree in Business Administration. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut. Rev. Elder confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the young age of ten, beginning a lifelong walk of faith and service. He faithfully served as a Deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church in New London, CT, before being called to Christian ministry. In 1983, he attended the Hartford Seminary and completed the Black Ministers Certificate Program. In 1991, he was called to pastor Zion Baptist Church in Middletown, CT, where he served for nine years. On April 2, 2000, Rev. Elder founded and organized The Open-Door Missionary Baptist Church in Middletown, where he served faithfully as Pastor for 25 years. His ministry extended beyond the pulpit, serving as a Chaplain for the Connecticut Department of Corrections for 24 years and as Vice President of Home and Foreign Missions for the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention for five years. Rev. Elder was preceded in death by his parents; several brothers and sisters; his daughter, Diane Marie Elder; and the late Patricia Elder. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 10½ years, Angela Elder; his daughters Chasity Elder and Sabina Elder (from the late Patricia Elder); his bonus daughters, Raven Singleton and Torian (Jay) Erker; and four cherished grandchildren: Michael Elder, Mya George, Jackson Erker, and Ellie Erker. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Roger Thomas; several brothers and sisters; dear friends Bobby and Linda Dantzler; and many others who were blessed by his life and ministry. Known for his ever-present "Got Jesus" hat or bumper stickers and his heartfelt motto, "I serve for an audience of One," Rev. Elder was a true man of God, touching countless lives with his wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith. Family and friends may call on Thursday evening, June 26th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the The Open-Door Missionary Baptist Church, 76 High Street, Middletown. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning, June 27th at 10:00 am at Cross Street AME Zion Church, 440 West Street, Middletown. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday morning, July 1st at 10:00 am in the Connecticut State Veteran Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown where full military honors will be accorded. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Mack H. Elder, please visit our floral store.