Keith Nelson Eldredge, 78, of Newburn, TN passed away at his home on August 16, 2013 after a long battle with cancer.
He was born on August 13th 1935 in Carey, Idaho to Forest Howard Eldredge and Vivian Elizabeth Cross Eldredge. He was amongst 11 children in the family.
On October 24, 1957 he married Beverly Ann Cutler and they had four children Keith Junior, David John, Christine Camille, and Penny Jean Eldredge. After working several jobs in Idaho, their family relocated to Charles City, IA where he spent most of his working career as a mechanic technician for Swartzrock Implement.
He spent much of his time working on cars and furthering his education in the field of mechanics. He obtained his GED from North Iowa Area Community College in May of 1972.
Keith loved to fish, play guitar and harmonica, camping, making homemade foods with the family, and being a testimony of the Lord to others.
He was a faithful member and deacon of Calvary Baptist Church in Charles City IA for over 30 years. He became an ordained minister on January 19th 1997.
After losing his wife Beverly of health complications he wed Marie Lamb on July 22nd 1988. Upon retirement from Swartzrock Implement in 2001 they moved to Newburn TN.
Keith spent several years as a Red Coat Volunteer at the Dyersburg Regional Medical Center in Dyersburg, TN. He was a great inspiration to patients and staff with his willingness to serve and undying testimony of the Gospel. Keith was also a member of Second Baptist Church in Dyersburg, TN.
He was preceded in death by Keith Junior, David John, and Beverly Ann Eldredge, his parents, and 6 siblings.
Keith is survived by his wife of 25 years Marie Eldredge, Daughters Christine (Tony) Kerns, Penny (Stuart) Ihde, and four Step Sons Gary Lamb, Ray (Brenda) Lamb, John (Tracy) Lamb, and Paul Lamb. Grandchildren include Brandon (Rachel) Kerns, Brian (Miriam) Kerns, Bradley (Olivia) Kerns, Ryan (Lindsay) Ihde, Rosalie Ihde, Regina (Joseph) Krambeer along with 5 step grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Survivors also include sister Mary Stanger, brother Allen Eldredge, brother Burl Eldredge, and sister Julia Ward.
Memorial services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church (703 Milwaukee St) in Charles City IA on Thursday August 22nd from 5:00-8:00pm in an open house forum. An additional Memorial service will be held in Dyersburg, TN on August 31st from 2:00-5:00pm, place of venue is yet to be determined.
Memorial donations can be directed to the family at 2026 Paulis Drive, Faribualt MN 55021 in lieu of Keith Eldredge. Funds will be used to cover burial expenses and any additional funds will be directed to the National Cancer Society and Hospice Care Centers of Tennessee.
I have many special memories of Uncle Keith. He will be missed greatly but it’s wonderful to know he is in a better place & we will see him again someday.