Eldon R. Linn

Eldon R. Linn of Arlington, Virginia entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2022 at the age of 88. He was born in Viola Center, Audubon County, Iowa on April 25, 1934 to James Hazel Linn and Letha (Shirley) Linn.

Eldon married Arlene Stoll on January 28, 1956 in Bondurant, IA and in June, 1956, graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA with a major in actuarial science and a minor in mathematics. He served in the U.S. Army from late 1956 until 1958, stationed to Headquarters, Ft. Myer, Arlington, VA.

While in the army, Eldon and Arlene joined Cherrydale Baptist Church. The enjoyment of this church is one reason they chose to remain in Virginia. Eldon put his degree to use in Washington, DC, first joining Acacia Mutual Life in 1958 and then The Wyatt Co. in 1981, retiring in June, 1997. He studied for several years to pass six of the demanding actuarial exams and, in 1965, he became an Associate Member of the Society of Actuaries. He used the computer program FORTRAN extensively in his work and published a short piece in PC Magazine in 1988.

Eldon served Cherrydale Baptist church in various capacities including treasurer, chairman of the board of trustees, and member of the building committee. Always athletic, Eldon excelled at table tennis, winning is first tournament in high school. He continued to play for many years and competed in a number of tournaments sponsored by the United States Table Tennis Association, winning the Maryland D Singles class in 1975 and took second place in Class A Singles of the Virginia-Maryland-D Closed in 1976.

Eldon served as a toastmaster, using such opportunities to share his wit, oft leaving his audience in stitches. He served both as best man and toastmaster at Brian and Joy’s wedding. In retirement he served on the condominium association board for nine years, eight as treasurer. He wrote a weekly newsletter for his Sunday school class at Columbia Baptist Church, which came to garner a much wider audience.

In his autobiography, Eldon wrote “I have had a good life, as a youngster who grew up country style, as a young adult, and as a married guy with family. On reflection, I sincerely believe there are advantages to be gained by growing up in the country with very little in material things. God has blessed me in many ways, and I thank Him for it.”

He is survived by his wife Arlene, son Brian (Joy) Linn, daughter Brenda (Daniel) Aycoth, grandsons Randall, Steven, and Daniel Linn, and two great grandchildren. Additional surviving family include nieces Janice and Heather, and his brother Jean (Kathy) Linn.