Walter "Wally" Joseph Elder, Jr., also known as the "Garlic Man" 81, of Benton, IL, died at 6:25 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Helia Health Care of Benton. Mr. Elder was born on April 10, 1933 in Chicago, IL the son of Walter James, Sr. and Josephine (Smid) Elder. He married the former Ramona L. Wertz on December 12, 1975 and she survives. Walter was a United States Army Veteran serving in the Korean War. He retired as a coal miner. Mr. Elder was a member of the Whittington Church and the Southern Illinois Earth Science Club. Walter was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a special place in his heart for each one of them. Surviving relatives include his wife, Romona L. Elder, three children, Alisha Anderson and husband Christopher, Paula Snyder and husband Byron, and Kenneth Henson and wife Becky all of Benton, nine grandchildren, Amber, Bryan, Justin, Diamond, Brandie, Christopher, Melissa, Heather and Joseph, many great-grandchildren, a sister, Laura Cole and husband, John of Buckner, IL and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Elder was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Richard Lee Elder, a brother, Charles "Charlie" Elder and nephew, Ronnie Cole. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Hobbs Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in Benton, IL. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Minor and Rev. Greg Shelton officiating. Interment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington, IL with military rites performed by the Benton American Legion/ V.F.W. and Marion Honor Guard.