John Edward Eldridge, Sr., age 87 of Rocklin , California , formerly of Malvern, died Friday, May 8, 2009. He was born on December 26, 1921 in Slocumb , Arkansas to the late Alva Basil and Georgia Hampton Eldridge. Reared and receiving his early education in Hot Spring County, he was a graduate of Malvern High School . He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was deployed in England for three and one-half years. After serving his country with honor, he dedicated 35 years of his life as a district manager for Rawson Drug and Sundry. He retired in the early 70s after successfully developing subdivisions in the Greenhaven area of Sacramento . He was an active church member who loved people and loved life to the fullest, still working out at the gym every week at age 87. John was an avid hunter, enjoyed building homes and developing real estate. He was married for 68 years to the former Kathlyne (Kay) Behrens, of the home, whom he wed in January, 1941 in Malvern. They had been residents of California for over 60 years.

Other survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, John E., Jr. and Gail Eldridge of Shingle Springs , California ; his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Gary Duerner of Rocklin , California ; his sisters, Alma Eldridge Bailey and Annice Eldridge White, both of Sherwood , Arkansas ; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Virgil Alva Eldridge.

He was buried on the family plot in the Fairplay Cemetery in a private ceremony.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 from ten until twelve noon at J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.