Robert H. Elder, Jr.

Scarborough – Robert H. Elder Jr., 79, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025.

Born on September 15, 1945, in Somerville, MA, Bob was the son of the late Robert H. Elder Sr. and Sadie Mildred (Baggs) Elder. He grew up in Weymouth and graduated from Weymouth High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force, with the dream of flying. He was first stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine followed by Vietnam and Thailand and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After his Air Force service, he continued to serve his country and community through the Army National Guard and later with the Portland Police Department. During his time on the force, he held various positions including but not limited to motorcycle cop and captain of the police boat.

Bob—always eager to learn and lend a hand—was a proud member of the Elks Club in Portland and volunteered with the Red Cross, where he taught classes and supported others through service. After retiring from the police department, he opened, Maine Marine Training Institute and worked at the law firm Norman, Hansen & Detroy. In his final years he was a resident of Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough where he continued to proudly serve in the Honor Guard.

He was predeceased by his sister, Judith Elder Fuller of Weymouth, MA. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Grannan of Noblesville, IN; daughter, Michele McDermott and husband Kevin of Gray ME; son, Robert L. Elder and his wife Karen of Beaufort, SC; son, Charles S. Elder and his wife Linda of Chebeague Island, ME; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 2nd at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland at 172 State Street. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland.

Memorial contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home, 290 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074