He was born on January 11th, 1935, in Loveland Colorado, and lived a full life of servitude to the Lord for 89 years. As the patriarch of our family, he was a loving and thoughtful husband, and an incredibly kind, patient, and loving father to his children. He was a father and mentor to many, an example of honor, humility, trust, and generosity. The relationship he had with his grandchildren and great grandchildren was endearing and cherished. Dean was known for his depth of relationship with the Lord and the peace and encouragement he carried with him. He always sought the good in everyone he met. He was highly respected, a deep thinker, and an avid reader. He shared and passed on his extensive wisdom to his family and close friends.
As a child he was the next to the youngest of 9 siblings, he grew up in a modest home in Loveland Colorado, attended Garfield Elementary and Loveland High School, before attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Tx. He kept a part of his heart tucked up in the mountains before making his way to Texas. However, he did love Texas and used to say “If I didn’t live here, I’d move here.”
As a young man he started out as an itinerant evangelist, before moving to New Mexico and becoming a real-estate broker specializing in large farms and ranches. He learned to fly his own plane in his early to mid 30’s, utilizing this new skill to travel to remote ranch listings. He used to say, “I can fly there, show the property and then be home for dinner, while my competition is still trying to figure out what hotel to stay at.” Eventually he made his way to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and began his work in land development and investments. Dean was known in the Real-Estate Community as an honest man of the utmost integrity and a consummate Deal-Maker. He continued to enjoy working until the very end.
Though his hobbies were few, he enjoyed them to the fullest. He had a love and respect for books, he never stopped learning. During his more active years he enjoyed playing basketball with friends who have each expressed the fondest of memories. Dean had a great appreciation for singing, especially good harmonies. His favorite group to listen to was The Gaither’s. In his younger years he traveled with a singing quartet. He enjoyed singing with family and friends and passed this love on to his children.
Dean left his mark on every person he encountered. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed! We are forever changed by the love and time we had with him.
Dean is survived by his loving wife, Carol Ann Eldridge.
His children; Sam Eldridge (Christine), Steve Eldridge, Kevin Eldridge (Jannette), Shelly Burger, Debbie Hainline, and Ken Frisby (Cathy).
His grandchildren; Trapper Eldridge (Elena), Amber Espinosa, Carly McLaughlin (John), Taylor Mayhall (Zach), Kenzi Eldridge, Trevor Burger, Connor Burger, Austin Frisby (Laurin), Tyler Frisby (fiance Bridney), Kaitlyn Green (Jon), Emily Hainline, Kevin, Jay, Emily (Austin), Joy (Mike), and David (Grace),
Great grandchildren; Brayden, Spencer, Jordan, Asher, Lilli, Rowan, Harlow, Ezrah, Titus, Ryder, Wesley, Olive, Sloane, Sawyer, Taytum, Kase, Evelyn, Eloise, Jaxton, Krista, Trenton, Makayla, Tyler, Elijah Dean, Charlie, Chase, Logan, Rambler, and Daisy.
Great-great grandchild, Colton.
Preceded in death by his parents Emery and Gertrude Eldridge, brothers Samuel, Harvey, Orville, Kenneth, Royal, Robert, David, and sister June Lebsack, daughter-in-law Cindy Eldridge.
In sweet memory of Wesley Dean Eldridge, a Celebration of Life service will be held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, Tx 76034, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm.
