A LODGE OR SORROW

The Great Creator, having been pleased to remove our brothers from the  cares and troubles of this transitory existence to a state of endless duration, thus severing another link from the fraternal chain that binds us together, may we who survive him be more strongly cemented in the ties of union and friendship; and during the short space allotted us here, we may wisely and usefully employ our time, and, in the reciprocal intercourse of kind and friendly acts, mutually promote the welfare and happiness of each other.

(NOTE - This is not a complete list of Brothers who have passed on to the Celestial Lodge above. If you have an obituary of a Brother from Valley Lodge who has passed since this list was last updated or has not been included, please forward on to Bro. Michael Priddy at: mpriddy218@yahoo.com.)

Cecil Murray Elrod, 78, of Louisville, died Friday 02/01/02 at Norton Southwest Hospital. He was a native of Warren County, KY, a retired supervisor of 34 years with Fort Knox Civil Service, a Navy Veteran of World War II, an assistant Scout Master and Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #371, and Valley Masonic Lodge #511. Survivors: his daughter, Pamela J. Elrod of Bowling Green, KY; a sister, Mary Kathryn Downey of Nashville, TN; a brother, James C. Elrod of Valley Station, KY; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Cloud Elrod. Funeral: 11 a.m. Monday at W.G. Hardy Valley Chapel. Visitation: 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday. Burial: Bethany Cemetery. Memorial gifts: American Cancer Society.

L. Shelton Berger, 57, of Louisville, died Wednesday 01/31/01 at Jewish Hospital. Mr. Berger was owner of Laser Design & Engraving, a member of Valley Lodge #511 F&AM, Scottish Rite, Kosair Shrine Temple, and Past Director of Louisville Court #131 Royal Order of Jesters. He was also Secretary of the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame and a member of the Billiken Club of Naples, FL, and the University Club. Survivors include his wife, the former Lana Hardin; two sons, Lewis Scott and Patrick Todd Berger; a brother, David Berger; and three grandchildren, Antonia, Alex and Zachary Berger. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Paul Catholic Church, 6901 Dixie Hwy. Burial: Calvary Cemetery. Visitation: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Pearson's, 149 Breckenridge Lane. Rose Croix service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Expressions of sympathy to Kosair Charities or American Diabetes Association.

Oren Delbert Clemons, 75, of Louisville, died Sunday, January 27, 2002, at Norton Hospital. He was a native of Hart County, KY, a retired electrician and electrical estimator for the Lesshafft Electric Company, a Navy See Bees Veteran of World War II and a member of Westport Road Baptist Church, Valley Masonic Lodge #511 and Local Union #369. Survivors: his wife, the former Eutha Auldridge; a son, Dr. Mark Clemons; a daughter, Carol Elizabeth Bell; two sisters, Irene Waldrews and Loretta Miller; and three grandchildren. Funeral: 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2002, at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. Burial will be private. Visitation: 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2002, at the funeral home. Memorial gifts: donor's charity of choice.

Albert E. Bryant, 76, of Louisville, died Monday, January 14, 2002, at Norton Audubon Hospital. He was a retired Marine Electrician for the American Barge Company after 31 years of service. He was a member of Landmark Independent Baptist Church, Sunset Masonic Lodge #915, 32' Scottish Rite and the P.R.P. Fire Department. He was also past Master of Valley Masonic Lodge #511, past President of Jefferson County Masonic Officers, secretary of Southwest Homeowners Association and a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors: his wife, Clara Leeth Bryant; a stepson, Greg Summers; a stepdaughter, Rebecca Jane Barger; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral: 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2002, at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Hwy. Burial: Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Visitation: 2-9 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2002, at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the donor's favorite charity.

Alexander Gilbert, 80, Louisville, died Monday, December 31, 2001, at Hospice & Palliative Care unit at Norton Audubon Hospital. He was a retired Tec. Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and a member of Valley Masonic Lodge #511. Survivors: his wife, Mary K. (Weaver) Gilbert; sons Donald, Michael and Robert Gilbert; daughters Connie Engelbert, Sharron Anderson and Brenda Bensing; a sister, Catherine Stevenson; brothers Milbert and Junius Gilbert; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorial service: 4 p.m. Saturday at Owen Funeral Home-Jeffersontown, 9318 Taylorsville Rd. Visitation: after 2 p.m. Saturday. Memorial gifts: Hospice of Louisville.