Eugene Mcelderry

Eugene McElderry, age 85, of Bettendorf, Iowa and a former Centerville, Iowa resident, died Thursday, July 1, 2010 at River View Manor in Pleasant Valley, Iowa. He was born the son of Eugene and Ila (Massingal) McElderry on September 6, 1924 in Mystic, Iowa. He received his education in a rural Appanoose County Country School.

On July 30, 1948, Eugene was united in marriage to Loeta Mathes in Centerville, Iowa. He worked as a Millrite for over 25 years, and later retired from JI Case Company. Eugene enjoyed life and love to laugh. He would often say Life is to short to go around with your lip all stuck out and frowning. Me, I would rather be happy. He loved to tinker around in his work shop. He was the happiest when all his family was together.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; daughters, Sandra and Debra McElderry; brothers, Charles, Bob and Ed McElderry; and a sister, Evelyn Bennett.

Eugene is survived by: his wife, Loeta McElderry of Bettendorf, Iowa; a son, Rick McElderry of Bettendorf, Iowa; a daughter, Brenda Kurtz and her husband, Charles of Davenport, Iowa; grandchildren, Michael Thomas and Lora Connelly both of Uma, Arizona; and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 10 AM at the Crossroads Baptist Church in Davenport, Iowa with Pastor Wellman officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 5, 2010 from 4 pm till 6 pm at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf, Iowa with the family present. A second service will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 1 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Rev. Brian Hargrave officiating. Cremation will take place following the service and internment of his ashes will be at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association.