Victor Eldredge

Victor James Eldredge, son of the late Emerson Alonzo Eldredge and Eva May (Williams) Clark, was born June 11, 1919 in Waynesville, Missouri. He left this world on August 10, 2012 to be with his Lord and Savior after his long battle with cancer. He entered the gates of heaven on what would have been his 65th wedding anniversary to join the love of his life, Mary Frances. As a young man he professed his faith in Christ with the Mt. Washington Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri. Victor proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II and was a combat veteran of the elite 82nd Airborne 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He served with the division from North Africa to Germany, making many combat jumps. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Stars. In his earlier years, Victor loved hunting, fishing and camping at Lake of the Ozarks. Many summers were spent with his family at “Chigger Point” at the Lake. Nieces, nephews and family fondly remember “Uncle Bump” and “Aunt Frankie” water skiing and having summer fun at the Lake. Victor lived in Independence, Missouri most of his married life. He worked as a metallurgy inspector at Armco Steel Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri, retiring in 1980 with 33 years of service. After retirement, Victor and Mary enjoyed many wonderful years together at Lake of the Ozarks and in their hometown of Richland. Victor was a 50-year member of the Mt. Washington Masonic Lodge #614 in Independence, MO, the Scottish Rite, and Ararat Shrine in Kansas City, MO. He was a friend to all and will be sadly missed, and lovingly remembered by his family, friends and all who knew him. Victor leaves to cherish his memory four children: James Emerson Eugene Eldredge (Paula) of Independence, MO, Vicki Louise Long (John) of Richmond, MO, John Bradford Eldredge of Blue Springs, MO and Jack O’Leary Eldredge (Melissa) of Richland, MO; one sister: Mary Louise York of Nixa, MO; 10 grandchildren: Scott Eldredge (Wendy) of Allen, TX, James Edward Eldredge (Joy) of Napa, CA, Jennifer Long (Craig) of Shoreline, WA, Kristin Dimiceli (John) of Los Alamitos, CA, Johnny, Kelsey and Kourtney Eldredge of Blue Springs, MO, Jason Eldredge (Ashley) of Branson, MO, Kylie Eldredge of Richland, MO and Angel Clay of Richland, MO; 7 great grandchildren: Andrew and Blake Eldredge, Lauren, William and Olivia Dimiceli, Kaden and Lane Cohen; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Victor was preceded in death by his wife: Mary Frances Bench Eldredge; father: Emerson Alonzo Eldredge; step-father: Snowden Clark; mother: Eva May Clark; brother: Stanley Emerson Eldredge; and sister: Margaret Perea McDaniel. Masonic services were held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2012 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2012 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Rev. Mike Hawkins officiating. Bobbie Bench and David Elam sang “I’ll Fly Away” and “Amazing Grace”. Serving as escorts were Jason, Scott, James Edward, Ronald and Donald Eldredge and Donald York. Serving as honorary escorts were Johnny Eldredge, and Leroy, Don and Ted Myers. Burial with military honors followed in the Manes Cemetery near Richland. Military honors were provided by the Missouri Honors Team and services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Manes Cemetery Fund or the Community Hospice of America (4681 Osage Beach Parkway Unit 16, Osage Beach, MO 65065) and may be left at the funeral home.