Windsor, VT- David Elder, Jr., 79, died Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the Jack Byrne Center at Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, NH.

Dave was born February 13, 1945, in Lynn, MA. To sum up his life, there was Dave before Donna and after Donna. Before Donna, he sacrificed his body to be an Airborne Ranger, and served his country in Viet Nam. After his time in the army, he was a private truck driver. He developed a strong relationship with the bottle and eventually walked away from the life he knew.

In the mid-90's, Dave met his future bride, Donna Bell. They met at a gas station where Dave was working. He always said that she was worth getting clean for. He did get clean, and they built a life of sobriety in Westford, MA. They later relocated to Merrimack, NH where they lived together until her death in 2006. He was her devoted husband until his death.

After the loss of his wife, Dave struggled with finding the will to fully live his life again. Light returned to his eyes with the birth of his granddaughter in 2016, and he ensured that his granddaughter had a spiritual relationship with Grammy Donna.

In his retirement, Dave enjoyed teaching his (bonus) daughter and son-in-law how to shoot, and believed in the application of rule .45. He loved animals and developed a close bond with his pets. He became heavily involved in the preservation of Scottish heritage. Dave was extremely proud to be called a member of Clan Chattan, the Clan of the Scottish Wildcatt.

Dave is preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna Elder in 2006, and his best friend Cookie in 2022.

He is survived by a daughter Correy Fraize, son-in-law Shawne Fraize, and granddaughter Sookie Fraize; his brother Ray McHatton; his friends Dan Burns, Patti Smith, Cindy (from the gun club) and countless others who touched his life.

Knight Funeral Home in Windsor has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to Dave's family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled Veterans of America, 215 North Main Street, White River junction, VT 05009