He entered the Merchant Marines in 1944, as an oiler. In 1945, he went on to join the US Army Air Force, where he worked in the postal service in Hawaii and Europe. He retired in 1966. After his time in the service, Eldridge became a District Manager for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. In the 70s, he worked at Harry & David and Jackson County, Oregon. In the 90s, he worked at Travis AFB.
Eldridge met his wife, Ruth Saldaña, in the mid-1950s while stationed at Fort Ord in California.
He was very loved and appreciated by his family and friends. They always knew they could count on him for help; which he always gave generously.
Eldridge is survived by his wife, Ruth B. Spencer; daughter, Hollilani; sons: Eldridge Jr., Eric, Edward, and Mark; and his sister, Thelma Kekumano.