Cleberne D. Eldridge

Cleberne D. (C. D.) Eldridge died Monday, July 17, 2017 at his home in Denver, CO. He was born September 26, 1932 in Liberal, KS, the son of Hazel Pennington Eldridge Cooper and Merle Eldridge. C.D. grew up in the old rock house near the Palo Duro River east of Hardesty, OK. He graduated from Hardesty High School in 1950. He joined the United States Air Force and served in Korea for four years. Although he was in hostile territories, he never saw battle. He spoked fondly of the time he and his squad freed South Korean refugees from the North Korean prisons. He met Shirley (Houpt) Eldridge while he was stationed at Lowry Air Force base. They were married on September 4, 1953 in Englewood, CO. They enjoyed 63 years of loving marriage. They raised four children, Carolyn Yurchick, Steven Eldridge, Janice Ramsey, and Tobie Pless. Tobie passed away in 2015. He and Shirley also welcomed over 50 foster children into their loving home. They also had twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In 1961, CD and his family moved to Denver, CO. He worked for the Denver Fire Dept. starting as a mechanic and rising to the position of Chief Master Mechanic. While working as the master mechanic, CD was involved in the purchasing of fire trucks. He also attended all 3 and 4 alarm fires prepared to fix any mechanical issues that might arise during the crisis. CD retired from the fire department in 1988. CD developed an interest in mechanics at a young age. When he was thirteen years old he started a bicycle repair service. He bought a Model A Ford that needed extensive work. He fixed the car during his spare time and used it to drive his mother and brothers around. CD developed a passion for the Packard automobile and restored many during his life time. CD was a long-time member of the Packard Automobile Club and Rocky Mountain Packard Club. He served on the board for both organizations for many years. He, Shirley, and the children attended national car meets across the United States. One summer, he drove a Packard from coast to coast across country. He often won long distance awards at Packard meets. CD will be remembered as a quiet and compassionate man who always made himself available to help a friend or stranger. He was loved by all and will be missed. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 20 from Six O'Clock until Eight O'Clock at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 21 at One-thirty in the Afternoon at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. Interment will take place on Friday, July 21 at Three O'Clock in the Afternoon at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. Please share your memories of Cleberne and condolences for the family by signing the guestbook below.