Reverend Doctor Ernie Elder Jr., 70, of Lafayette entered the presence of the Lord on Monday, July 20, 2026. A pastor, friend, son, husband, Ernie devoted his life to ministering people.
Ernie was the son of Ernie Dewey Elder Sr. and Sarah Grace Cox Elder. He was born Nov. 7, 1955, in New Albany, MS. He was the grandson of Claude and Agnes Elder of Blue Mountain, MS and Reverend Frank Howell Cox and Grace Denton Cox of New Albany, MS. Their faith and love helped shape the compassionate servant Ernie became throughout his life and ministry.
On Oct. 18, 2008, Ernie married the love of his life, Angela Wright. She preceded him in death on June 1, 2018. Together, Ernie and Angela served the Lord side by side, each bringing out the best in the other. Their love was rooted in faith, and those who knew them enjoyed watching them serve together. We rejoice in the promise that they are reunited in the presence of their Savior.
A lifelong learner, Ernie graduated from Wooddale High School in Memphis, TN, in 1974. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Memphis State University in 1979 and received his Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, in 1983. In 2006, he earned his Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
Ernie was ordained in the Baptist Church in 1987 and faithfully answered God’s call to ministry throughout his life. He served congregations at First Baptist Church in Cannelton, IN, First Baptist Church in Lafayette and First Baptist Church in PA. Later, he followed another calling into the United Methodist Church, serving at Eastlawn United Methodist Church in Idaville, IN, where he created a prayer garden that inspired many visitors. He also served Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, West Lafayette, and retired from the ministry at Weaver Chapel in West Lafayette in 2019.
Ernie was widely known and loved throughout the Burning Heart Emmaus Community of Indiana. He faithfully served on numerous Emmaus and Chrysalis Walks and remained an active participant in his long-standing reunion group, cherishing the friendships that grew through those experiences.
For many years, Ernie devoted a week each summer to serving children at Camp Indi-Co-So, where he shared God’s love with creativity, enthusiasm, and a joyful spirit.
Those who knew Ernie will remember his remarkable gift for making Scripture come alive. Whether preaching to adults or children, he had an extraordinary ability to illustrate God’s Word in simple, memorable, and visual ways that touched hearts and strengthened faith.
Ernie’s greatest ministry was simply being present. He faithfully visited people in hospitals, nursing homes, homes, and wherever someone needed encouragement or prayer. He had a true shepherd’s heart, sharing Christ’s love with those he visited when they needed it most. His visits were rarely quiet — he often broke into song, always seeming to have the perfect song for the moment. His joyful spirit and comforting presence brought hope and peace to many people over the years.
Ernie treasured relationships. If you ever sent him a card, letter, or note, chances are he saved it as a reminder of the people God had placed in his life. When you were with Ernie, his love for you and his ministry was ever present.
His life reflected Christ’s love through faithful service, music, heartfelt prayer, and genuine compassion. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the congregations he served, the campers he inspired, the Emmaus community he loved, and the many family members and friends who were blessed to know him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Ernie is survived by his brothers-in-law, Kris Klink and Dean Wright; niece Aubrey Klink; nephew Glen Klink; cousins, Millie Adney and Amy Hinrichs; aunt Mary Elder, many Elder cousins and many cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Community Foundation of White County, c/o Angela Wright Elder and Tyra Wright Klink Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be provided.
The funeral service will held at noon Monday, July 27 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette. Calling is from 10 a.m. to noon. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at Idaville cemetery, with the Rev. Tony Alstott will officiate.
