Joseph Daniel Elder

- Marine Captain Joe Elder is now guarding the streets of Heaven. He was a dedicated husband, loving father, and amazing friend to so many. He passed away peacefully March 24 in his hometown of Knoxville, TN, with his loving wife, Nancy, by his side after a medical emergency. Joe was as loyal as they come, personifying Semper Fi every day. He loved his wife and children unconditionally, supporting them in every endeavor, always making the most of the time they had together. Joe was known for his amazingly sharp, quick wit, his incredible intellect, and the absolute best sense of humor. He’d find the irony or ridiculousness in most any situation and point it out in the driest, funniest ways. He could tell a story like no other. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lynda Elder. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Nancy, their daughter Hannah and son Evan; and his sister Laura Brewer and brother-inlaw Peter; nieces Sarah and Rachel Rice. Joe graduated from the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge Associated University, and the National Forensics Academy. A combat veteran, he enlisted in 1998 and was commissioned in 2003, retiring from the Marine Corps in 2013. Joe joined the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit in 2019 to continue serving and protecting. He transitioned to the Forensics Unit in 2022, where he served as a Crime Scene Technician.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 1st from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. A celebration of Joe’s life will immediately follow at 3:00 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for Joe and Nancy’s children, Hannah and Evan Elder. Please contact Knoxville Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union for details at 865-522-3900. Arrangements by Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com