Eldon L. Eldridge, 76, of Hardesty and lifelong area resident passed away Tuesday morning, January 15, 2019, at the Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas.

The son of Merle and Hazel Marie (Pennington) Eldridge, Eldon was born October 14, 1942 in Liberal, Kansas. He attended the Hardesty school system, graduating with the Class of 1961. He then attended Panhandle State University and Oklahoma State University, where he earned his Bachelor and Masters degree.

Eldon and Emma Mae DeHarde were united in marriage on January 21, 1966, in Hardesty. Mr. Eldridge was a teacher, counselor and administrator working in the Hardesty, Optima, Perryton and Liberal school systems, retiring in 2006 from Liberal. He also worked at Beech Aircraft in Liberal, KS, Miller Motors in Guymon and as a part time park ranger at Optima Dam.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Cleburne, Leon and Verle Eldridge.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Emma Eldridge of the home; one son, Merle Eldridge and wife, Cheryl of Hardesty; brother, Roy Dean Cooper and wife, Debbie of Atoka, OK; along with his sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday morning, January 21st at 10:00 a.m. at the Victory Memorial United Methodist Church in Guymon with Rev. David Player officiating. Graveside services will be on Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Hooker Cemetery. Services are under the care of the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon.

Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday, January 20th, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the Eldridge family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorials in memory of Eldon may be given to the League House of Amarillo or to the Victory Memorial United Methodist Church. Memorials will be accepted at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 1112, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942.

Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.