Mr. Elbert Dean Word, age 86, of 55 Payton Place, Buchanan passed away Friday, February 20, 2009 at Floyd Medical Center. Mr. Word was born in Carroll County on February 15, 1923. He was the son of the late Alver Mabry Word and the late Etta Hollaway Word. Mr. Word was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II and earning the American Victory Medal. He was a published author and novelist. Local survivors include one daughter, Carolyn Payton of Buchanan; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 5:00 P.M. from Hutcheson''s Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dallas Howard officiating. Interment will follow in the Wallkill Valley Cemetery in Walden, NY at a later date. Hutcheson''s Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.