Robert Eugene Eldridge

Bob was born on December 29, 1924 in Polk, Ohio, the son of Henry and Carrie (MacFarland) Eldridge. From age 9, he was raised at the Fort Wayne Children’s Home in Indiana, where he met the love of his life, Geraldine Ella Smith. After graduating from Northside High School, Bob joined the United States Army where he fought in the Pacific theatre during WWII and was part of the expeditionary force in Tokyo after the Japanese surrender. Upon discharge from the military, he married Jerry and started their 70 years of marital bliss.

Bob attended the University of Buffalo on the GI Bill. “Big Red” as he was known, became a star player on the basketball team. He taught two years in New York, then moved to Michigan. Bob received his Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan and in 1951 and became a Health & Physical Education teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach; first at Avondale HS in Rochester Hills, and then at Wyandotte Roosevelt High School in 1953. He retired from coaching in 1964 and he and Jerry moved their family to Trenton, MI. He stayed on at Wyandotte HS as a Guidance Counselor until his retirement in 1983

Bob and Jerry moved to Higgins Lake in the summer of 1983, where they already owned a beautiful cottage. He enjoyed working with his hands, spending time at the lake, and especially had fun camping with his family. He was a loving husband and was always there for his wife and children. Bob was the type of father that all kids would wish for. He taught his children self-reliance, to respect authority, and to be responsible for their actions. Bob was a great role model. He was one of the greatest of the Greatest Generation. He and Jerry had an amazing 80 years together and were very proud of the life they lived.

Bob’s greatest joy in life was his beloved family of which he was so proud. He is survived by his wife, Jerry Eldridge; five sons, Bob (Pam), Tom (Gail), Jim (Pam), Tim (Sally), and Ken (Maggie); grandchildren, Erin (Aaron) Simon, Scott (Kara) Eldridge, Jamie Eldridge-Wheelock, Ian Eldridge, Drew (Rachel) Eldridge, Emily (Mike) Jones, and Abby (Javy) Lopez; and 12 great grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for May of 2017 at Higgins Lake. Please share your fond memories of Bob at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City.