Stuart Eldred

Stuart Eldred was born February 29, 1928 in East Hardin, IL and gained his eternal wings February 15, 2023. He joins his wife of 62 years, Ruby Ann Eldred, who preceded him in eternal life February 7, 2017.

Together they raised two sons, Markus (Jacque) Eldred and Darrell (Dee) Eldred. Being typical brothers, not only did they play together, they squabbled. Arguing over toys that were really identical. Stu’s solution: Hand me your toys—they’re going in the attic for a year. When Stu and Ruby Ann moved out of the house 13 years later, the toys were found well preserved in the attic.

They also had three grandchildren: Ashley (Steve) Kennedy – the well behaved child who loved doing paint-by-numbers art with her grandpa; Derrick (Sarah) Eldred, and Andrew Eldred – the boys who, while playing baseball in their grandparent’s backyard, managed to break their bedroom window necessitating an emergency tape repair by Stu. All were loved and nourished by their grandparents care, including Tiffany (Dan) Higginson.

Stu grew up on a farm and learned the value of hard work early in life. He would also listen to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games and Bears football on the radio and became a lifelong fan of both. After graduating high school, Stu would join the Army at the start of the Korean War. Once he was discharged, he went to school, becoming an electronics technician.

His first job as an electronic technician was with Boeing Aircraft installing electrical equipment on the B-52 Bomber in Wichita, KS. Later, he would join the Civil Aeronautics Administration (later to become the F.A.A.) as an electronics technician for 32 years, retiring in 1989.

After retiring, Stu and Ruby Ann would do a little traveling and enjoy weekly breakfast with friends who also worked at the F.A.A. The entire family would enjoy Sunday dinners together followed by a game or two of Forkle; or until Stu won – whichever came first.

Their family expanded beyond grandchildren into great-grandchildren; Lillian Valledares, Caden Eldred, Ava Kennedy, Molly Kennedy, Grayson Eldred, Daniel Eldred, Braxton Eldred, and Hattie Faye Eldred. Stu was preceded in passage by both parents, Paul and Hattie Eldred, his brother, and sisters and his daughter-in-law Dee Eldred.   On February 27, 2023 visitation for Stu will be at 11:00 with service starting at 12:00 at Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home, 530 North 5th St. Springfield, IL 62702 with internment at Oakridge Cemetery following.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Safe Haven Hospice, 1999 Wabash Ave., Suite 202, Springfield IL 62704. The Eldred Family was blessed and very grateful for their care and dedication to Stu. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stuart Eldred, please visit our floral store.