George grew up in Oklahoma City where he attended Oklahoma City public schools and graduated from Douglass High School in 1957. He attended University of Central Oklahoma (Oklahoma Teacher’s College). Before completing college, George qualified for the Air Force Reserves’ electronics program. In 1960, after finishing at the top of his electronics class, he was hired as an instrument mechanic for United Airlines in San Francisco, CA. In 1962 he transferred to Denver, CO as a Simulator Technician. Later George was promoted to Senior Programer Analyst, a management position. In Denver, George completed his six year commitment with the Air Force Reserves.
Prior to marriage, George joined the Big Brother program and continued to be a great mentor and friend to his little brother, William “Bill” Burton. After retirement, George’s gift and passion for mathematics led him to teach and tutor youth. He served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children. George was active all of his life. He participated in football in high school. As an adult he played tennis, basketball, racquetball, and softball. He loved fishing and was an avid deer and elk hunter.
In February of 1969, George married his sweetheart, Elaine Williams of Oklahoma City whom he met at the Church of God where his father was a pastor. Their first home was in Denver, CO. From this union, God blessed them with three children. Over a 10 year (1976-1986) period, George was a father figure to over 30 children. One of these children, Scott Todd, and his mother Dorothy, still remain close to George and the family. George enjoyed attending special events for his children and grandchildren. He loved watching his daughters play volleyball and would arrange his schedule to be available for their games.
In 1975, George and his family joined the Church of the Nazarene in Denver. George loved God, people, and doing God’s work. He enjoyed singing and was part of the church choir. He was also involved in Sunday School, a men’s group, the meal prep team for church dinner plays, led the deaf ministry program and assisted with children's bible quizzing. In 1986 the family moved to Edmond, OK. The family united with Lake View Park Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City in 1988. George continued to serve, singing in the choir and men’s quartet, men’s prayer group, a church board member and supporting church missions.
The wisdom of the ages says that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. George’s heart’s desire was to become an airline pilot. Testing and working on flight simulators, his several years of flying lessons and flying experience were some of the steps he took towards his goal of becoming an airline pilot. George secured his private, commercial, instrument and instructor’s licenses, and taught several people to fly. When he applied for a pilot’s job with United Airlines (UAL) he exceeded the qualifications. Ultimately, after several rejections on the basis of skin color, God provided a way for George to fulfill a heart’s dream that others sought to deny. In 1978, as a result of a lawsuit between the Justice Department in Washington, DC and several major airlines, he was hired as a pilot for UAL. In 2001, after 41 years of employment with UAL, George retired as a DC-10 Captain.
In view of the many obstacles in his life, George always gave God the credit for all of his accomplishments. His absolute trust and unwavering faith in God throughout his life carried him through his life’s journey and served as an inspiration to others.
George leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 52 years, Elaine Eddens; daughter, Joy Thellmann and husband Timothy; daughter, Carmen Adriaanse and husband Alexander; son, George Eddens II; all of Edmond, OK; heart-adopted son, Scott Todd of Denver, CO; six grandchildren, Michael, Jonathan, Benjamin, Gianna, Alyssa, and Eliana, all of Edmond, OK; sister, Leatrice McFadden of Oklahoma City, OK; three brothers, Alexander Eddens (LaJune), Joseph Eddens and Seth Eddens
(Gail), all of Oklahoma City, OK; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
Preceding George in death were his parents; two sisters, Christine Stephens and Rosie Eddens; one brother, John Eddens.
In lieu of flowers the Eddens family requests donations be made to: George and Elaine Eddens Handicap Accessible Projects of LVP, 3500 NW 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (checks payable to LVP Church).
