Title
To celebrate the life and service of Donald "Don" Eugene Elder, Sr., and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing Wednesday April 6, 2022.
Body
WHEREAS, the members of Columbus City Council extend this resolution of expression to honor the life and service of Donald “Don” Eugene Elder Sr who passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Don attended kindergarten at St. Cyprian Parish. Later, he continued his early education in the Columbus Public Schools System. He advanced his education at Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio, majoring in Industrial Management; and
WHEREAS Don enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp, Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio on March 11, 1946. He received basic training at Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas; Aircraft and Engine Mechanic Training, Keesler Field Biloxi, Mississippi; and P-47 Specialist Training, Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois. Upon completion of training, Don was assigned as Crew Chief with the 99th Fighter Squadron for the P-47 Aircraft Fighter Squadron under the command of Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. The 99th Fighter Squadron was the first Black flying squadron, and the first to deploy overseas. On January 20, 1949, Don Elder's unit marched in the inaugural parade for President Harry S. Truman prior to his discharge from service. Don served from March 11, 1946 until notably discharged, March 11, 1949; and
WHEREAS, Don is a DOCUMENTED ORIGINAL TUSKEGEE AIRMAN (DOTA). In 2007, along with approximately 300 Tuskegee Airmen or their widows, at the United States Capitol Rotunda, Don was award the "CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL" by President George W. Bush and Speaker of the House Madam Nancy Pelosi ; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Elder is recognized nationally for his commitment to the improvement of Civil Rights and Fair Employment Practices. He the founding President of the Central Ohio Minority Affairs Representatives (COMAR) and a long-time member of the National Urban League, the National Association of the Advance of Colored People (NAACP), the National Alliance of Business, the Youth Motivation Task Force, the National Industry Liaison Group, and Past Chairman of the Fort Worth McDonald YMCA Minority Achievers. Don also served as the President of the North Texas Industry Liaison Group. He also received a Commendation from the Senate of the 120th General Assembly of Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Don's life and memories will be cherished by his wife, Faye, children Donald Jr., Donn Elder II, D. J. Reed, Robert Carpenter, 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby celebrate the life and service of Donald “Don” Eugene Elder Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
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