Kent Maynard Elder, Sr. died peacefully at home on April 30, 2024, at the age of 82, just four months after his wife, Laveenia passed away unexpectedly. He is already greatly missed.

Kent will be remembered as a kind and loyal friend who never hesitated to help friends and family in any way he could. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a great love of the outdoors, and boundless energy. He was always at work; always on the go. Kent was often seen working on the family land in Lake City, or helping neighbors in his second home in Montana, doing any tasks that were needed. Kent enjoyed close friendships in the Sun Valley Ranch in Cameron, Montana, where he was happy and willing to help traveling neighbors open or winterize their homes. Kent enjoyed hunting whenever and wherever he had the opportunity, most recently in Florida, Virginia, and Montana. He had a great love of family, and especially enjoyed helping, encouraging, and spending time with his grandchildren. Kent was a member of Hopeful Baptist Church and also attended Madison Valley Baptist Church in Montana.

Kent was born in Charlotte County, Virginia, on July 15, 1941. After graduating from High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was initially stationed in Pensacola, FL but also was stationed in Italy and Spain during the next four years. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Kent moved to Florida where he delivered milk for a short time. He was employed in the phosphate mines in South Florida for over thirty years as a welder, retiring in 2003. Kent married his third wife, Laveenia in 2005, and they enjoyed 19 years together, dividing their time between Florida and Montana, and traveling in Canada and the Northwestern United States.

Kent is predeceased by his parents, Henry Randolph (Bill) Elder and Nannie Holmes Harper Elder; his brothers, Ryland Elder and Winfred Elder; his first wife, Carolyn Jo Cockcroft; his second wife, Gloria Smith Elder; and his third wife, Laveenia Dicks Elder. He is survived by a brother, Ralph Elder (Nancy) of Nathalie, VA; a sister, Diane Elder (Luke) of Brookneal, VA. Kent is also survived by four children, Kent Maynard (Kenny) Elder, Jr., of Groveland, FL; Gena Campbell (Brent) of Fairfield, PA; Marc Elder of Lake Wales, FL; and Dennis Elder of Groveland, FL. Kent leaves behind three step-children, Evelyn Smith Brewer (Mark) of Orlando, Florida; William (Billy) Smith (Marie) of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; and Elisa Smith Hewett (Joe) of Lake City, Florida. Ten grandchildren, Ashley Bell (Ethan), C. J. Elder (Mikaila), Collin Elder (Madelynn), Cara Elder (Dominic), Caylee Elder, Colton Stryker (Sharaya), Delaney Elder, Derek Pierce, Hunter Campbell, and Landon Campbell (Brianna). He also leaves behind five step-grandchildren, Kyle Smith (Abby), Kaitlyn Thoreson, Jordyn Thoreson, Bethany Brewer and Zoe Brewer; and five great[1]grandchildren, Adalyn, Colie, Eli, Case, Sawyer, Ridley and Weller also survive.

Funeral Services for Mr. Elder will be conducted on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Gateway Forest Lawn Funeral Home. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  A graveside service will be held at Beulah Baptist Church in Hat Creek, Virginia at a later date.