Claude Eldredge

Claude P. Eldredge 1925 ~ 2010 Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Claude Port Eldredge, 84, passed away at home April 12, 2010. He was the patriarch of our family, our protector and our provider. We are left with a deep ache in our hearts and he will be missed. Claude was born October 25, 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Lawrence D. And Mabel Emery Eldredge, the seventh of nine children. He graduated from South High School in 1942 at the age of 16. He joined the great and glorious Army Air Corps at the age of 17. He completed advanced flight training and was ready to be deployed overseas using his knowledge to fly P40s and P51s when the war ended. It was especially disappointing because he was at fever pitch and ready to go. He loved his country and was forever grateful and proud for the opportunity to serve. Claude attended West Texas State Teachers College and the University of Utah. He had a long career in management at the United States Postal Service. He was industrious with an entrepreneurial spirit and usually held additional part time work along with his full time career at the post office. He and his brothers, Harold and Doug, owned Eldredges, a bicycle and lawn mower shop, which won the title of Best Bicycle Shop in one of the first Utah Holiday Magazines. He could fix anything with a small engine and was our handy man extraordinaire. He retired from the post office in1980 but after a year was ready to get back to work and successfully started a floral wholesale business. The grandchildren have fond memories riding along on deliveries for some one-on-one time with grandpa. He married the love of his life, Molly Lover Merrill, September 16, 1947, which was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. He said he had only a few regrets in his life, but the best decision he ever made was marrying Molly. He loved her because she was pretty, funny and because she loved me. Claude was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Claude had a wonderful sense of humor and an amazing memory. He recited poetry until the day he died. He loved his garden, was a fabulous cook, enjoyed reading and learning all he could about history, golfing with his girls and grandsons and would never pass up a good political debate. He was dedicated to his family and generous to a fault with his time and money. The family wishes to thank dear family and friends for their care and concern. A special thanks to Care Source Hospice for their thankfully brief but expert involvement, the nurses and CNAs at St. Marks Hospital and Dr. Sally Sharp for her knowledge and advice. He is survived by his ever-loving wife, Marlene Molly Eldredge; daughters: Claudia (Douglas) Wilcox, Lynda (John) DeBirk; and son, Casey (Najat) Eldredge; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Harold and Doug; sisters, Edity and May. Preceding him in death are his parents; youngest daughter, Kathryn Firth; granddaughter, Chandra Beard; brothers: David, Bill and Emery; sister, Mary. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 16, 2010, 12:00 noon at the Taylorsville 3rd Ward, 1457 W. Atherton Dr. (4350 S.) where a viewing will be held Friday, 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.