Elden A. Lorah

Elden Allen Lorah, 99, of Bedford, died on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at his residence. He was born on May 25, 1927 in Lehighton, Pennsylvania one of nine children to the late Edgar and Florence (Snell) Lorah. On September 11, 1997, in Bar Harbor, ME, he married Mary (Decker) Lorah and she survives along with three sons: John Lorah of Fairfax, VA, Keith Lorah of Sacramento, CA and Glenn Lorah and wife Kelly of Brinton, MI; five grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and a sister: Berdean Frey of Palmerton. He was preceded in death by his first wife: Loise (Swartz) Lorah; a son: Eric C. Lorah; two brothers: Jake and Jerry Lorah; and five sisters: Dolly Williams, Chrissy Kroboth, Ruthann Briener, Vera Schaffer, and Millie Lilly.

Elden was a 1944 graduate from Lehighton Area High School and at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Jacksonville, FL. Because of his desire to fly and due to medical issues with his eyesight, he transferred to the newly formed Air Force and became a navigator. His service as a navigator spanned through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The last four years of his Air Force career were spent as a commander of the Air Borne Missile Squadron in Minot, ND, and retired with the rank of Colonel. During his military career, he spent two years at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, then earned a degree in Social Studies from the University of California in Sacramento. He was the first recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Education Award. After retirement, he spent 10 years teaching junior high school history, math, and science in the state of California, and also taught industrial arts for a junior college in Sacramento. Upon his return to Pennsylvania, he built his own house and worked at two hardware stores before permanently retiring.

Elden was a lifetime Lutheran and was currently a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bedford where at one time he served on church council and on the property committee. For nine years, he served as the president for the Franklin Township Lions Club and oversaw a large playground project.

From a young age Elden had a passion for flying. He had built several aircrafts over the years and was a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Elden enjoyed the outdoors and being active; Fishing, hunting, tennis, golf, bowling, camping, hiking, and traveling were some of his favorite activities. He also enjoyed working with wood and crafted many items for his family throughout the years.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Bedford with Rev. David Weinhold officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Friends will be received on Thursday from 10 – 11 a.m. at the church in Trinity Hall. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a donation in Elden’s name to the Young Eagles, payable to EAA Chapter 857, c/o Theodore L. Merklin, 125 Landsdown Drive, Moon Township, PA 15108. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.