Eldon Metteer

Mr. Metteer was born on May 20, 1917 in Antelope, Oregon, to Elmer and Olive (Cushing) Metteer. His family moved to a homestead just outside The Dalles, Oregon, a short time later, and Mr. Metteer lived in The Dalles until the early 1970s. He worked as a brakeman on the Union Pacific Railroad beginning in 1941, when steam engines were the norm. He was assigned to a road run from The Dalles to Hinkle, Oregon, early in his career. He also served as a union representative for the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, and he often was an advocate for employees who were facing possible punishment. He earned the respect not only of fellow employees but also Union Pacific officials he faced in formal hearings. Eldon and his wife Virginia relocated to Portland in the 1970s because of his work demands.

He was married to Virginia Helen Fagan on Aug. 22, 1941, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles. They were married for 72 years until Virginia’s passing in 2013. They have three sons: Stephen, of Denver; John, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Christopher, of Parker, Colorado. Eldon and Virginia also have seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. Mr. Metteer also had three brothers (Wilfred, Robert, and Dale) and two sisters (Marie and Doris) who preceded him in death.

Eldon and Virginia moved to Colorado in 2007 to remain close to family.

Eldon and Virginia were active in church activities while at St. Peter’s, and East Hill Church and Mountainview Christian Church in Gresham, Oregon. He continued to attend weekly services through the online presentations by Southeast Christian Church in Parker, Colorado. He was faithful to his Christianity, and served in several ministries ranging from food distribution and elderly visitation programs to healing activities.

A memorial service for Mr. Metteer will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. at Crown Crest of Parker, where Eldon spent the last several months of his life. Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary of Centennial, Colorado, is in charge of arrangements.