Leo ''Eldon'' Eldridge, Jr.

Leo 'Eldon' Eldridge, Jr., age 45, of 1110 Garver Road, Mansfield, Ohio, died unexpectedly Saturday morning in MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Eldon was born in Mansfield on July 18, 1957 to Leo and Barbara Eldridge. He graduated from Madison Senior High School in 1975 and attended The Ohio State University. Mr. Eldridge was the owner and president of Eldridge Acrylics, which he founded with his father. Mr. Eldridge was an active member of the congregation of Grace Episcopal Church, where he was currently serving as Senior Warden. He devoted his time and talents to the church as God called him, and was a tireless volunteer in many activities. He was a strong believer in giving back to his community. Eldon was president of the Lions Club, and was particularly proud of his service with the Consumer Advisory Council for people with disabilities. He also was a member of Sons of Herman and Amvets Post 26. Eldon loved music all his life and shared his joy in song with many local residents over the years as the lead singer of the band, 'Justus'.

A devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife Karen, son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Shuree, daughter Tracy, and grandchildren Cameron Cox and Paige Eldridge. Eldon is survived also by his parents, Leo and Barbara Eldridge, brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Betsy Eldridge of Columbus, Ohio; sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane and Kenneth Heaberlin of Mansfield, Virginia and David Harmon of Columbus, Ohio, Joyce and Lynn Riethmiller of Woodsfield, Ohio, as well as his father-in-law, Dick Burggraf, Sr. of Mansfield and brothers-in-law, Mike Burggraf and Dick, Jr and Lisa Burggraf all of Mansfield, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will be missed by his beloved dogs and faithful companions, Baby and Bo.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 23, 2002 at the Grace Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Father John Jorden and The Rev. David Sipes. Burial service will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Donations in Eldon's memory may be made to the Grace Episcopal Memorial Fund or The American Diabetes Association.