On Thursday, January 14, 2021, Dr. Douglas Mikel Elder, known to friends and loved ones as Mike, passed away at the age of 80, in East Lansing, Michigan.

Mike was married to Nancy Amelia (Miller) Elder from 1966 until her passing in 2004. He is survived by his sons Chad (Anne) and Todd (Carey) Elder; his younger siblings Gwynne (Dave) Bonifield, Jeanne (Wayne) Miller, and Bill (Nancy) Elder; his grandchildren Mikel, Siena, Phoebe, Daphne, and Wesley; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Douglas and Ruth Elder and his brother Henry Elder.

Mike was born on January 5, 1941. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army, Mike graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Kansas and received his medical degree from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine. Mike was a prominent radiologist in Topeka, Kansas, where he spent his entire career as a member of the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine firm. He also served as the president of the Kansas Radiological Society. He became an expert in the field of mammography and helped save countless lives through the early detection of breast cancer.

Mike was an avid fan of the KU Jayhawks basketball team and was a regular at home games in Allen Fieldhouse for over 40 years, moving to Lawrence in retirement to be near the university. He was a lifelong scholar who continued to take college and graduate-level courses in French, German, literature, art history and astronomy. In retirement Mike traveled extensively, including living for months at a time in France and Germany. He also enjoyed boating, playing pool, and the simple pleasures of good food and drink with friends and family. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, whom he loved beyond measure.

Burial will take place at a private ceremony for immediate family in Gypsum, Kansas. A memorial service for all friends and family will take place in Lawrence, Kansas at a date and time to be determined, once it is safer for us to travel. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Mike died peacefully in his sleep with his sons at his side. He touched the lives of many, and his numerous friends and loved ones will greatly miss him.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan. To leave an on-line condolence for the family please visit www.greastlansing.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jan. 21, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Elder

3 Entries

Diana (Wiley) DeWald

January 22, 2021

Chad, Todd and families,
I worked with Dr. Elder for 5 years at Radiology and Nuclear Medicine many years ago before I moved to Wichita. He was my favorite doctor to work with. He was level-headed, even-keeled, kind, and had a good sense of humor. We would give him a hard time during the Christmas season when vendors would bring us chocolates. He would poke them in the middle with his finger to see what was on the inside, thus ruining them for the rest of us. He taught me to not let other doctors yell or swear at me over the phone. He said tell them politely that if they don't stop, I'm going to hang up. And if they didn't, then hang up. I've carried that with me throughout my career.

May you find comfort in your memories and stories you've shared.

Bill Staples & Lizette Peter

January 21, 2021

Dear Elder family,

We are so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing and offer our condolences. We got to know Mike well during our years together at Hobbs Taylor where Mike and Bill served together on the HOA Board and he invited us along to KU games. We are glad he was able to spend time with the kids after moving to E. Lansing. Our best wishes.

Amy Lee

January 21, 2021

Dr. Elder was a truly wonderful doctor to work with. I met him when I was in X-ray school from '91 through '93. He was patient, kind, and funny! I am sorry for your loss. -Amy

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