Herbert Hampton "Hank" Elder

AIKEN, SC - Mr. Herbert Hampton "Hank" Elder, 78, beloved husband of Susan Brewer Elder, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Hank was born in Atlanta and later moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where he graduated from A.C. Flora High School. He was an Eagle Scout. He graduated cum laude from Georgia Tech on the Co-op program with a degree in Chemical Engineering, and he later completed his Master’s degree, also in Chemical Engineering.  

In 1969, Hank married Susan Brewer, and after serving two years in the United States Army in El Paso, Texas, and in Vietnam, Hank went to work for DuPont. His work with DuPont sent the couple to Wilmington, Delaware and Orange, Texas, and in 1976 to Aiken and the Savannah River Plant.  Hank worked most of his career in Aiken with DWPF, the Defense Waste Processing Facility.  

Hank was a lifelong Episcopalian who volunteered in many capacities at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church. He was a Sunday School teacher, a Stephen Minister, and both a student and mentor with Education for Ministry. He served several terms on the church Vestry. He is remembered by many as the first person to welcome them to church. He coached his sons in youth sports, both in rec league and church leagues.  

Hank was an avid reader with a great memory and with many varied interests.  He loved history and all kinds of science, and sometimes played math games for fun. 

Hank is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Susan Brewer Elder, and three children: Benjamin Elder and his wife Wendy, of Florence, SC; Paul Elder and his wife Lizzie of Raleigh, NC; and Dee Elder of Aiken. He leaves seven Grandchildren: Aiden Elder, Elliot Elder, Lauren Elder, Emma Grace Elder, Stella Elder, Ruth Elder, and John Hampton Elder, and brother, William Surrency Elder (Lillian), of Columbia and brother-in-law, Archie Hargett. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Guy and Eva Elder, and sister, Kathy Elder Praete Hargett. 

The family wishes to thank their many friends in Aiken for their support, and Felicia West, Tasha West, Micah James, and Chaplain Wayne Bruner of Gentiva Hospice for their unfailing care during Hank’s illness.  

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 PM Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church with The Rev. Joseph Whitehurst officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in the church cemetery. A reception will follow in the Stevenson-McClelland Building.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, 125 Pendleton St., SW Aiken, SC 29801.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.