Harry Elder passed away on January 27, 2026.
Harry Elder was born in Hays, Kansas in 1942 to Willard and Lennie Doris (Kirkman) Elder. While his father worked as an administrator and his mother a teacher, he attended elementary school in many districts surrounding the Smith Center, Kansas area. By junior high he knew the only thing he wanted to do was be a coach. After graduating from Mankato High School, he attended Hays College.
That summer, he and a buddy enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a Medic in the 8th Cavalry in Korea and later completed his tour as an ER Medic at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After returning home, he began his formal training for a career in teaching and coaching, attending Fairbury Junior College in Nebraska, where he met his future wife and played defensive end, before continuing his studies at Peru State Teachers College.
Following graduation, he married Patricia Quigley, his wife of 57 years. A week later, he began his coaching and teaching career in Petersburg, Nebraska. That calling would span six decades, including three terms at Elwood, Kansas, and seasons at North Platte, Bishop LeBlond, Osborn, Craig, and Riverside - communities that remained close to his heart.
The treasures of 52 years of coaching - 40 alongside teaching and 12 as a substitute - were found in the people he shaped. He believed, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” and he lived that belief daily. He coached football, basketball, and track for both girls and boys, holding his athletes to high standards while never losing sight of who they were becoming.
Away from the field, he was rarely far from the game. He traveled often, favoring “short cuts” that somehow tripled the drive time, and could be found in the stands at countless practices and competitions long after his own teams had finished. His remarkable memory for plays, calls, and moments—and his unmistakable voice—became part of the fabric of the communities he served.
In the days following his passing, former players, students, colleagues, and friends shared memories that revealed just how deeply his presence and example had shaped their lives.
Harry was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. He was a former member of the American Legion Post in Smith Center, Kansas, and Post #359 in St. Joseph.
He is preceded in death by parents Willard and Lennie Dorris, brother-in-law Maynard, and niece Madison Mae.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; son Robert (Anna); daughter Tari (Cameron); and grandchildren William, Henry, and Harrison.
He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara and Donna (Jim); his nieces and nephews: Matthew and Monte (Angel); Darren (Amanda) and Katie (Adam); along with his great-nieces and great-nephews Aurellia and Lilly, Brandon, Joshua, Jacob, Megan (Greg), and Wyatt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Noyes Home For Children, Missouri Western State University, supporting junior and senior college students pursuing teaching and coaching, or to Tunnel to Towers in honor of those who serve and protect.
