Robert L. Elder was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 15, 1933. His parents were Lewis and Pearl Elder, both deceased. He graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1951. Robert attended Roberts Wesleyan College and then served the United States Army in Colorado Springs for two years where he met and married LaVonne Dragoo in 1957. He and his wife returned to New York where he graduated from Roberts Wesleyan in 1961. Robert wanted to be a minister in the church, but the Lord called him instead to minister to children, teachers, parents, and co-workers. They moved their family to Florida where he received his master’s degree in education. He began his educational ministry teaching at Lancaster Elementary for five years, then becoming the first principal at Hiawassee Elementary. The last position he held as principal was at Lakemont Elementary, through which his outstanding talents and contributions were recognized and he was chosen to be the first Director of Elementary Programs for Orange County Public Schools. His accomplishments also include being President of the Florida PTA and Phi Delta Kappa. Later in his career he taught classes and became an administrator for Nova University in Orlando. He was known as ‘The Music Man’ for Orange County Public Schools and sang at many conferences and schools, weddings, churches, and even a half-time show for an Orlando Magic game. Robert had two sisters, Harriet Billington and Betty West, both deceased. He is survived by his wife LaVonne, daughters Robin Elder of Temecula, CA and Caci Maccario of Longwood, FL, and grandson Joel MacDonald, who were the joy of his life as he was theirs, and many friends and neighbors who loved him for his sense of humor and sweet spirit. To know him was a privilege, and to be in his circle of friends and family, an honor. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Loomis Family Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Faith in Action, a ministry to judges, congressmen, and senators in Washington P.O. Box 96204, Washington D.C. 20090-6204.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
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Dolores says
Mr. Elder was my first principal and I was his first kindergarten teacher at Lakemont Elementary School. Since he was a man of faith, I knew he selected my application in the county office because I was a minister's wife. He was a little skeptical when my first request for equipment was a refrigerator and stove. He had never heard of an open kindergarten classroom. He was excited and willing to purchase the Alpha pre-programed curriculum for me and disappointed when I said, "No, Thank you!". All the Kindergarten teachers in the county were getting the program. Only Peggy Evans and I had not wanted it. Her principal forced her to take it, Mr. Elder respected my wish. He kept a watchful eye on my open program and then he enrolled his adorable jet haired, freckled face daughter, Holly, in my class. That year he stepped out of the role of principal and into the role of parent. At the end of that year he was very supportive of the Early Childhood open class concept. We became friends and he sang at my daughter's wedding. What an inspirational voice. When he left Lakemont to take new leadership roles in the county office, he was missed greatly! I then, too, left Lakemont but he continued supporting me in all my future endeavors. He contributed so much to my growth and development in the field of Early Childhood Education.He was a true and loyal Christian soul who used his life to inspire and influence the lives of so many adult educators and the learning experiences of great numbers of children. Thank you, Bob Elder, Thank you! Know that you are loved!Many blessings to the family. Find comfort in your faith as only HE can give and all your wonderful memories.Sincerely,Dolores Burghard
Robin Elder says
Thank you for the kind words. He thought very highly of you.
Doris Moss says
Bob will be remembered by me as a professional mentor and personal friend. At the time I was first appointed as a principal, he was my director. Bob provided leadership, praise, and encouragement in unique style. Often he was a silent giant who was physically present lending support and at other times his humor was a tool for dealing with situations. He seemed to know what worked best!!! The impact he made on my professional career with Orange County Public Schools was a big one! Thank you, Bob.
Robin Elder says
Thank you for those kind words.
Doris Moss says
Doris Moss sent a virtual gift in memory of Mr. Robert L. Elder
Ennis & Jan Hyman says
We are Ennis & Jan Hyman and we were just remembering Bob recently as we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Bob sang at our wedding in First Church of God Orlando, June 30th, 1963. He was a precious friend and we are so blessed to have known him. We have pastored for 40 years in the Church of God and are now retired in Tennessee. May God continue to bless you his family as only He can.
Robin Elder says
Thank you for those kind words.