Leon Eldridge's Obituary
On Thursday, Auguest 23, 2018, Leon C. Eldridge, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home next to his wife Louise at age 73.Leon was born on January 14, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to Leon Eldridge Sr. and Virgina Harbottle. He was among the first class to attend Hale High School in Tulsa, OK. In 1963, at the young age of 18, he enlisted in the Army. He became a tank mechanic in the armor division stationed in Germany. He served in the military until 1970, when he was honorably discharged. Upon arrival back to the states, Leon worked in construction and later as a millwright. He then worked for American Airlines as a millwright and welder from 1986 to 2008; when he retired.Leon was known to be a loving husband, father of three children, stepfather to two daughters, and grandfather of twelve grandchildren. On February 14, 1992, Leon married Anita Louise Iron, whom he loved dearly. Although this was not the first marriage for either one, with a fierce love and commitment to family they were able to bring together everyone into one big, happy family.Leon was a Mason and Shriner. He was initiated to the Petroleum Lodge #474 in January 1974. He later became a member of the Akdar Masonic Lodge #555 A.F. & A.M. As a member he enjoyed going to the Akdar Shrine Park at Lake Keystone where he would invite friends and family to his RV camper and boat. He also worked at the Akdar Shrin Circus every year. After he retired, he volunteered to transport disabled and burn children to the Shriners Children’s Hospitals in Louisiana and Texas.Leon enjoyed traveling the world, motorcycle riding throughout the US and Canada, going to the lake, gourd dancing at pow-wows, and be-friending everyone he met. He was known for his silly and outgoing personality. His loving and protective nature was only rivaled by his kind and compassionate spirit. If you ever needed some backup or help, he would be your man. His was a life well lived.Leon was preceded in death by his father, Leon, his mother, Virgina, and his three sibilings, Colin Yeulet, Arthur Yeulet, and Virgina (Vimy) Cooper. He is survived by his wife Anita Louise Iron, his three children, Dana Goldman, Lori Eldridge, and Donnie Eldridge, his granddaughter Lesley Iron, whom he raised, and eleven other grandchildren.A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 30th, 2018 at Asbury Unitied Methodist Church, 6767 S Mingo Rd, Tulsa, OK at 10:00 a.m. Following will be a procession to Fort Gibson National Cemetery for a Military Commital Service at 1:00 p.m., 1423 Cemetery Rd, Fort Gibson, OK.
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