Elton B. Souder was born June 27, 1928, in Corinth, KY and passed away September 28, 2021, at his residence in Dry Ridge, KY at the age of 93. He was the son of the late Bennie and Dorothy Mae Wilson Souder.
He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers: Margarette Colson, Betty Jane Delaney, Edith Latimer, Edward Souder Harold Souder.
On July 2, 1949, Elton was united in marriage to Thelma Estes Souder. She preceded him in death on October 4, 2019, after 70 years of marriage.
Elton leaves to carry on his legacy two daughters, Ellen Heile (Tom) of Dry Ridge, KY and Donna MacTaggart (Slade) of Hiawassee, GA, one son, Richard Souder (Carolyn) of Orlando, FL; and a sister, Myra Lou Nicholson of Dry Ridge, KY. He also leaves four grandchildren: Jennifer Myatt of Dry Ridge, KY, Doug Drysdale (LeAnnda) also of Dry Ridge, KY; Jerrod MacTaggart of Wichita Falls, TX, Lauren Mactaggart of Phoenix, AZ; and four great grandchildren: Dawson Myatt, Kinslee, Keelan, and Knox Drysdale.
Elton proudly served four years on active duty in the United States Air Force and another 22 years in the United States Air Force Reserve. During his service, the Souders spent a year living in Japan during the Korean Conflict, creating lifelong friendships and greatly shaping their outlook on life. After active duty, he operated the Souder Grocery store in Corinth for several years and later became postmaster in Corinth, KY then in Falmouth before retiring from the U.S. Postal Service. He made a Christian profession of faith at the age of 16 and served in church work the rest of his life. He previously served as a deacon at the Corinth Baptist Church, later at the Falmouth Baptist Church, and was a member and deacon emeritus at the Sherman Baptist Church at the time of his death. Elton loved spending time with family, playing cards, and listening to music, avidly attending and supporting weekly country music shows in Georgetown, Paris, and Lexington, KY for many years. He was active in many organizations that furthered the Christian faith and served the community including Corinth Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Falmouth Rotary Club, Woodmen of the World Lodge # 611, American Legion, and Gideon’s International.
Visitation will be from Monday, October 11, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Eckler-McDaniel Funeral Home in Dry Ridge with funeral services immediately following. Interment will take place in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North.
Memorial contributions may be made in Elton’s Memory to the Sherman Baptist Church or Gideon’s International.
