Eugene O'Brien Eldridge

Eugene O'Brien Eldridge

SANTA FE - Mr. Eugene O'Brien Eldridge, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather & great-great grandfather, passed away peacefully, Sunday morning February 11, 2018, in Deer Creek of Wimberley.

Born on October 15, 1920, to Thomas O. & Jessie Belle (Downing) Eldridge, in Hominy, OK, as the 9th child of 14 siblings - 9 boys & 5 girls. Graduating from Chilocco Indian School, served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII along with 6 brothers, in the service at the same time, a 7th brother served in the Navy in 1947 - '48. He was a Golden Glove Boxer in his youth, one of seven Eldridge brothers on a Boxing Card in Pahuska, OK in 1938. Continuing his amateur boxing-career into the Air Force stationed at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, TX. He & Christine moved to Santa Fe in 1957 where he lived for 57 years. He was a member of the Cherokee Tribe & always very proud of his Indian heritage. He became a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife, Christine Frances Eldridge, daughter, Terry Gwinn Eldridge, son, Donald G. Westrup, eight brothers & five sisters.

Mr. Eldridge is survived by daughters & sons-in-law, Barbara & Jody Giamfortone, Marsha & Fred Moore, Rena & Frank Tambrella, Jerry & Mike Tinnell; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery, Pastor Jay Lewis officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home.

Friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2018 at the funeral home, 10412 Highway 6, (409) 925-3501 with Vigil services beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Those who wish to make memorials in the form of donations to Deer Creek of Wimberley, 555 Ranch Road, Wimberley, Texas, 78676. (512) 847-5540.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene O'Brien Eldridge, please visit our floral store.