Claude F. Eldridge

Claude F. Eldridge 94 (Chuck to many family members and friends and CF to his family and relatives in Mississippi), died on February 2, 2016. Claude was born on August 24, 1921 in DeKalb Co., MS. to Claude F. Eldridge, Sr. and Lillie M. Eldridge; he had six sisters and three brothers. With the exception of one sister, all Mississippi family members have preceded Claude in death. Claude lived a very full life in his 94 years. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps building fire lookout stands in Oregon. He joined the US Army in 1942 and served stateside with the Military Police. After he was discharged, Claude moved to Wichita, KS where he worked for Beech Aircraft. It was at Beech where Claude met the love of his life, Elverna Bell, and they were married in 1947. Claude had a career with the Boeing Co. spanning 39 years where he started in the wire shop and ended in executive management. During his tenure, Claude was fortunate enough to travel the world for Boeing. After retirement, with a love of traveling and golf, Claude and Elverna visited and golfed on all the continents of the world except Antarctica, where unfortunately, there are no golf courses. Claude authored four books and maintained a curiosity about life and the world to the end. Claude is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elverna Eldridge; children, Pamela Eldridge and Steven Eldridge (Janice) all of Wichita; sister, Joyce Gomez of Chula Vista, CA.; grandchildren, Erik Mallory, Alexis Wallace and Emily Prideaux; great grandchildren, Elaina and Ellisen Prideaux, and Beckett Wallace. A memorial service will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N Webb Rd on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with the Lords Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.