Benjamin Lewis Eldred Sr.

He was born May 6, 1935 in Oneonta the son of the late Aaron Putnam Eldred and Edna Belle (Raymond) Hammon.

Ben proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict spending time in Germany, North Africa, Texas and Maine.

On July 1, 1978, Ben married Melody Yvonne Eighmey in Oneonta NY.

Ben worked for IBM in East Fishkill as an executive manager of the tool and die, plastics, and glass shops for 29 years. He was currently employed with the United University Professions as a Chapter President’s assistant at SUNY Cobleskill.

Ben was a Past Commander for the last three years of the Oneonta American Legion Post #259. He was also active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Oneonta and Walton and a member of the Del-Otsego SERTOMA service organization. He served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and oversaw construction of a home in Walton. During his years in Walton he participated in several activities and committees at the United Presbyterian Church. He was involved in many aspects of his children’s lives in Newburgh, NY including Boy Scout leader, school festival volunteer, and soccer coach.

Ben loved spending time with and doing anything for his family and loved ones. He was a very affectionate man, a great person to talk to, extremely supportive, amazingly spry, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was the most extraordinarily handsome man his wife ever met. His love for children made him an awesome father, grandfather, and uncle. He relished time spent with his nephews Donnie Eldred, Jr., Little Donnie and Bear and his niece Lillian Eldred. He delighted in traveling with his wife and relaxing in their Florida condos.

Ben was an avid outdoorsman. He especially took pleasure in hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening, and berry picking. Some of his other joys included bowling, horseshoes, dancing, storytelling, winning games, puttering, and keeping the party going. He had the unique ability to be a jack-of-all-trades and master of all.

Ben is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Melody Eldred of Oneonta; five children, John (Butch) Eldred, Sr., of Newburgh, Donna and Steve Miller of Central Valley, Sharon Mosley of Tampa, FL, Ryan Eldred and Rachele Cucciarre of Oneonta and Vanessa and Nathan Eldred Banks of Hollywood, FL; 12 grandchildren, Samantha, John, Jr., Bradley, Tyler, Amberae, Nicole, Monique, Yolanda, Anthony, Jr., Darnell, Rayshan and Mia Lewis Two-shoes; three great grandchildren, Corisha, Cory and Jazmyn; two brothers, Donald and Kerry Eldred, Sr. of Oneonta and Kenneth Eldred of Maryland; as well as several nieces and nephews and a countless number of friends. He was predeceased by his son, Benjamin Eldred, Jr.; brother, Harold Hammon, Jr.; and sister, Edith Eldred Crandall.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 19, 2012 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, NY from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. in the United Presbyterian Church, 58 East Street, Walton, NY. Burial will follow with military honors in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, 162 County Highway 58 (Oneida Street), Oneonta, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Oneonta Veteran’s Club c/o Emerson Horth, 297 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY.

To light a candle or send the family an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.