RICHARD ELDRIDGE

VALPARAISO, IN - Richard Kenneth Eldridge, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 21, 2022 at the Willows Nursing Home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on Nov 2, 1937, near Stiritz, Illinois, to Loyd Joseph and Nina Audrey (Collins) Eldridge. He first married Carolyn Sue Smith who preceded him in death on February 27,2008. he later was married on April 16, 2012 to Nancy Beeg.  Richard graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1956, and earned both undergraduate and Master's degrees from Southern Illinos University. Richard loved to collect rocks, prairie plants and gardening.  He attended Valparaiso 1 ^st Baptist Church, he was a school teacher in the Trico School System in Ava, Illinois for over 30 years, and was also a basketball coach and a track coach.  He is survived by his wife Nancy Beeg Eldridge, a daughter, Vicki Jo Delinger and husband Scott and granddaughter, Katie Delinger in Edmonton Alberta Canada, brothers Robert (Barbara) Eldridge, Gene (Diane) Eldridge, sister Barbara (Allen) Mota, step-daughters, Ellen (Eric) Banschbach and Erica (Ted) Lenker, nieces and nephews, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Richard is preceded in death by his parents and a step-son Emil Beeg, lll.

A visitation for Richard will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022, at BARTHOLOMEW FUNERAL HOME, from 3:00PM until the time of service.  A service will be held at 5:30pm, with Pastor Jim Patten officiating. A second service will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022, 11 AM until time of service at 1:00 PM at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home, 211 W. Broadway Blvd, in Johnston City, IL with Pastor Larry Stevens officiating with a burial following at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Dune's Hospice or the Willows Nursing Home.

A celebration of life dinner will be following at Andresan's in Johnston City.