James Henry “Hank” Elder, devoted father, husband and generous friend to all he met, passed away on January 13, 2019 at the age of 66 at his home in Midland, Texas, surrounded by his family. He was born July 5, 1952 in Midland, Texas to Mary Joyce (Melancon) Elder and Cecil Henry Elder. Hank attended St. Ann’s school and then graduated from Midland High School in 1970. He earned a BBA degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin, and later an MBA degree in Management from the University of Texas Permian Basin.Hank worked in the banking industry for 42 years, beginning at Midland National Bank in 1977 and was currently employed by West Texas National Bank, where he served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President. Many of his banking colleagues became lifelong personal friends.Hank’s greatest life achievement was raising his two children Courtney and Colin. He enjoyed watching them play various sports while they were growing up. He always encouraged others to challenge themselves to be better.Hank’s dry sense of humor was contagious and many of his friends remember him best for his loyal companionship, kind heart and generous spirit. In his younger years, he was an avid golfer. He loved his golf buddies and enjoyed the comradery of those friendships.Hank is survived by his wife of 34 years, Debbie Elder, daughter, Courtney and her husband Garreth Brewer, son, Colin Elder, and mother Mary Joyce Elder, all from Midland; his sisters, Diane Orosz and her husband, David of Richmond, Texas, Debra Van Zandt and her husband George of Jasper, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Cecil Henry Elder.A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Midland, Texas.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Hank Elder to the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, Texas, https://www.mch.org/donate/.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
