Harry M. Elder, Sr.

On August 3, 2023, Harry Monroe Elder, Sr., 93, of Sandy Lake, PA passed away peacefully at his home after a brief illness.  At his side was his wife of 66 years, Roberta, and family members. 

Harry was born on February 14, 1930 to Harold and Mabel (Beirman) Elder.  He was a 1947 graduate of Sandy Lake High School.  Harry married Roberta (Miller) in 1957, the same year he started a business of selling Minneapolis Moline farm tractors.  His family grew to include three children and his business (Elder Sales and Service/ Elder Ag and Turf) grew to include Oliver, John Deere, White, and Gehl farm machinery. 

His business grew to three locations over 67 years.  Harry could be seen in the office or on his customers’ farms six days a week.  He continued to work until age 87.  Harry greatly appreciated the personnel he worked with over the years.  He also owned United States Post Offices in several states. 

His love of tractors included his personal collection of Oliver, Minneapolis Moline, and John Deere, as well as antique cars and farm toys. 

Along with traveling extensively and enjoying his family, Harry planted over 10,000 trees and was recognized by the Woodland Owners Association of Mercer County. 

Harry served as president of the PA Dealers Association and Mercer County Extension.  He received the Crawford County Ag-Industry Award and was recognized by Mercer County Farm Bureau for his service to the Ag Industry.  

Harry was an active member of Lake Myrtle #316 Lodge, FFA, Farm Bureau, Clarks Mills Community Church, Shriners, New Vernon Grange, and AUSPL.

Along with his wife, Roberta, Harry is survived by his daughters, Donna Jane Elder-Sutley and Joyce McCutcheon (C.H.); son, Harry Elder, Jr (Teresa); three grandsons Justin McCutcheon (Amanda), Garrett McCutcheon (Marissa), and Jacob Elder; one granddaughter, Gabriel Elder; and one great grandson, Jonathan McCutcheon. 

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Marion “Butch” Sutley, grandson Isaac Monroe Sutley, four brothers, an infant sister, and two nephews. 

The family would like to express gratitude to those who have helped and supported Harry throughout the years. 

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 12:00 PM at the Clarks Mills Community Church, 3813 Hadley Road, Clarks Mills, PA.  He will be laid to rest at the Hadley Cemetery.  Family and friends may call at the church on Monday, August 7, 2023, from 1-4 PM and 5-8 PM and on Tuesday from 9 AM to 11:45 AM.   New Vernon Grange will conduct a Memorial Service, Monday at 8:00 PM followed by a Lake Myrtle  F&AM Lodge  # 316 service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Zem Zem Shriners Children’s Hospital Erie, PA, Clarks Mills Community Church, or a charity of your choice in Harry’s name. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy., Sheakleyville.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.snyderfh.com.

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