Mr. Eldridge was born April 3, 1922, at Waverly, Ill. He was a retired security officer for the MGM Grand Hotel. He enlisted in the army in Oct. 1943. He served in three wars, WWII, the Korean War and had two tours in Vietnam. He was with the 88th Infantry Division in Italy. He was a parachute glider and senior jumper with the 11th Airborne Division. He was a member of the Army/Europe Intelligence Division. He served with the 54th Infantry Division Davy Crockett Section and Fort Riley's "Big Red One" during Vietnam. He was the advisor to the Army National Guard before retiring in 1967. He was also a life member of the American Legion, VFW and the DAV.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of the home; a daughter, Beverly of Salina; and two adopted daughters, Janet Guerrero and Carolyn Jo Walker, both of Salina.

The funeral will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401. A private family burial will be held.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina.