Eldon French

Eldon French of Farmington passed away Thursday morning, February 28, 2008 at the age of 82 years. Eldon was a native of Missouri and grew up in the Farmington, Fredericktown, and Silver Lake area of South Eastern Missouri. He was the second son of the late Floyd and Hester French of Farmington. He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Sheila French in 1983, by an elder brother, Melvin, who died in infancy, and a sister, Dorothy Smith, in 2006. Eldon was a Veteran of WWII and served with the 20th US Army Air Forces with duty in Guam. He married his Beloved Wife Juanita Smith of Marquand, MO in 1944 and later moved to California with her, working first in the construction business and later becoming a successful manufacturer of Custom fitted Carpet, and was a master at floor covering planning and installation. He was an excellent craftsman in both wood and fabric. He returned to Missouri with Juanita in 1991 and was a resident of Farmington until his death. An avid bowler and reader, he received a bronze medal in bowling in the Senior Olympics. He loved story telling and family traditions, and often remarked that his most enjoyable times were spent with his children and grandchildren. Eldon was preceded in death by Juanita after 55 years of marriage in 1999 when she passed away following a long illness. He truly loved her and nursed her tirelessly until she died. He is survived by his sons David (Eileen) of Carson City, NV, Ronald (Melinda) of Bloomington, IN and Larry (Lynne) of Redding, CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Sean French of Silver Springs, NV, Alison Doubleday of Bloomington, IN, Heather Brunelli of Redding, CA, Erin French of Austin, TX and Christopher French of Redding, CA. Eldon had five great- grandchildren, Courtney, Scott and Shelby French all of Carson City, NV and Bailey and JD Brunelli, both of Redding, CA. Eldon had seven brothers and sisters, six of whom have survived him; Aletha Brase of Bellevue, WA, Alvada Bailey of Cupertino, CA, Iris Downey of Arnold, MO, Norvin French of Texas, Daisy Hodges of Farmington and Floyd Jr. of Fredericktown. He was greatly loved and will be remembered as a true Gentleman and a Gentle Man. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me . Phil:4:13 The family will receive friends at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2008. A memorial service will be held at the Cozean Chapel on Wednesday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. Burial with Full Military Honors will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Whitewater Christian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Whitewater Christian Cemetery Fund.