John Eldredge

John Raymond Eldredge, 75 of Ballard, passed away, Monday December 21, 2015 at the Uintah Basin Medical Center from complications of pneumonia.
He was born December 29th, 1939 in Roosevelt to George Raymond and Melba Hanson Eldredge. He grew up on the family's farm with seven brothers and sisters. He attended school at the old Ballard School, Alterra and Union High School where he was very active in sports.
John married Joyce Leth Wills May 28th, 1960. Together they had four sons. John called himself a, "jack-of-all-trades and a master-of-none". His jobs included the butter maker at Highland Dairy, a roustabout, a truck driver for P.I.E., and a dispatcher for Basin Western. A trait that was much admired was that of builder and inventor. John built his own home as well as a home and home additions for his sons, and various projects such as head gates, and sheds for other people. He helped build the set for the movie, Jeremiah Johnson in Whiterocks Canyon.
His interests include: hunting, fishing and camping (he and Joyce were brave enough to take all nine grandchildren camping for many summers). He loved to read, especially histories of the Uintah Basin. As soon as he finished a book he hunted a person down to pass the book on to (even if that person was only slightly interested in the book topic). He was a big professional sports fan (especially the Utah Jazz) but found the most pleasure in following his own sons and grandchildren on the ball courts, ball fields or golf courses. He even acquired an appreciation of the theater seeing his grandchildren on Union's stage. He was a great conversationalist whether it be with friends and family at the kitchen table, coffee drinking guys at The Grill or over the fence with neighbors. We will miss his colorful, opinionated language. His golf cart is parked and chair is empty but our hearts are full having known John Eldredge.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Eldredge, Ballard; sons, Kary (Alawna) Eldredge, Ryan (Michele) Eldredge, all of Roosevelt; 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and siblings, Bette Wimmer, Moab; Glenn (Delores) Eldredge, Orem; Marie (Clyde) Bartlett, Logan; Nancy LouAnn Mitchell, Ballard; JoAnn Nelson, Montwell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Derk Eldredge, baby son, John Raymond, grandson Thomas Ray Eldredge, brothers, Steve and Clark Eldredge.
Funeral services held on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ballard LDS Chapel. Viewings will be held on Sunday evening at the Hullinger Mortuary from 6 - 8 p.m. and Monday at the church 1 hour prior to the service.
Burial in the Roosevelt Memorial Park.