Dallas James Elder

Dallas James Elder, 86, much beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away Thursday, September 13th, 2018, at Logan Regional Hospital, Utah, after an extended illness.
Dallas was born Aug 29, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, to Dr. DeLoy Edward and Alice Hadfield Elder. He was first of their four sons.
When Dallas was 7 years old, his father died a hero in a boating accident and the small family moved back to Utah. Dallas graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1950. He enlisted in the National Guard and spent two years in Korea during the Korean War.
Dallas married Vonda Renee Waters on Jan. 16, 1953. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served faithfully throughout his life in many church callings. Dallas was a great example of strength as he took his young family to serve a mission in Salta Argentina to build a new chapel. He later served as Bishop of the Logan 7th Ward.
Dallas was a skilled contractor and developer. He built and owned many homes, apartments, and businesses in Cache Valley, including a car dealership. He would develop a plan and put it before the Lord, and then go out and do the work. When he was asked how he became so successful in life, his answer was always that he had the Lord and Renee as his partners.
Dallas spent a lot of time enjoying life with his family. He loved boats, driving fast, water and snow skiing, camping, motorcycles, 4-wheelers, the desert, his airplane, and his yearly new trucks.
When Dallas retired, he taught himself to make wooden toys for the grandkids and intricate models of antique cars, planes, and construction equipment. These included front end loaders, back hoes, and dump trucks. He won first place ribbons at the fair for some of his models. He enjoyed gifting people with his wooden creations.
Dallas loved to read, especially the Book of Mormon. It was his goal to read the book 1000 times. He’d almost reached 800 when he was called home. He loved the Gospel and regularly bore his testimony to his family.
Dallas’s greatest love was his family. He loved and supported Renee through 64 years together and has missed her terribly since her passing 11 months ago. Together they built wonderful traditions including; Grandma Elder's famous Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial and Labor Day breakfasts, and of course, the over-the-top Christmases.
Dallas is survived by his daughters, Vickie Lynn Craw (Scott), Denise Poulsen (Reese), Lisa Kay Wood (Curtis), Julie Renee Jensen (William). He is also survived by his brothers, Ray Elder (Kris), Vaughan Carter (Claudia) and Clair Carter (Kathy). Dallas also leaves behind his precious 21 grandchildren and 44 (and counting) great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vonda Renee, his parents, two brothers, one grandson, and his only son DeLoy James Elder.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 17th at 12:00 noon in the Nibley 3rd Ward, 3701 South 450 West. There will be a viewing held Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center St. in Logan and also at the church on Monday from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Providence Cemetery with Military Honors. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net