Eldon Ray Alexander, 90, of Galva, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at his home, surrounded by family.
Eldon was born in Galva, Kansas on February 13, 1933, the son of John Clarence and Edith Viola Christine (Johnson) Alexander.
Eldon attended North Diamond Grade School and graduated from Galva High School in 1951.
He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve during the Korean War.
Eldon's first job off the farm was working construction as a brick tender. He then worked at Mountain Iron Supply, McPherson until being hired by NCRA, moving through the ranks there and retiring as safety supervisor in 1995.
Eldon enjoyed all facets of life, including fishing, hunting, camping, and traveling. If Eldon wasn't helping in the harvest field or working with the cattle, he could be found enjoying the masterpiece of a sunset while on his sailboat at the lake. He was a talented musician, playing the accordion, mandolin, piano and organ. He always had a tune to whistle or a song to sing. Woodcarving was a hobby that kept him busy when he wasn't doing carpentry jobs for others, or building the home where he and Jody raised their family and currently reside. Eldon was delighted to build a toybox for each of their great-grandchildren. Whether bouncing a baby on his knee, singing "Pony Boy", or scaring an unsuspecting grandchild with his "pet mongoose", his infectious laughter would brighten everyone's day. Galva residents looked forward to seeing Eldon riding his bike around town, always willing to stop for a visit. Dancing on Wednesday nights and enjoying a Waltz with Jody, the love of his life, brought him much joy. Eldon was a Boy Scout leader and helped Jody with Girl Scouts. He was an EMT, served on the Galva City Council for many years, and helped start and serve with the Galva Fire Department for most of his life. He was devoted to his church and served on various committees, was the worship leader, a Sunday school teacher and was involved with Bible studies. He enjoyed making homemade ice cream for all the family's birthday parties, and sourdough pancakes were a staple for each family campout and Saturday morning church breakfasts. Eldon didn't know a stranger; family and friends felt blessed to be a part of his life.
Eldon was united in marriage to Anita Jo "Jody " Grant on February 10, 1952 in Galva, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in Galva. This union was blessed with the birth of three children, Daril, Darla and Diane.
He is survived by his wife, Jody; son, Daril (Kelly) Alexander of rural Galva, Kansas; daughter, Darla (Marvin) Westbrook of rural Canton, Kansas; son-in-law, Rick Remsberg of Leon, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 31 great- grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Diane Remsberg; brother, Robert Alexander; sisters, Donna Clark and Norma Decker; and great-granddaughter, Karsyn Alvord.
Visitation will be held 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Galva Community Church in Galva, Kansas.
Memorial Service will be held at 3 pm on Friday, July 14, 2023 at Galva Community Church in Galva, Kansas with Reverend Mike Miller officiating.
Memorials may be made to the City of Galva for Karsyn's Memorial Park, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Galva Community Church, and can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Kansas 67460.