Dual Walter ELDRIDGE, Jr Obituary (2025)

Dual W. Eldridge passed away peacefully on September 6 at the age of 99. He was born on June 29, 1926, in Yakima, Washington, to parents Dual Eldridge Sr. and Hazle Eldridge. During his early years, he lived in Wenatchee, Sandpoint (Idaho), and La Grande (Oregon) before settling in Yakima. Dad grew up in the meat packing industry; his father purchased the Eldridge Packing Company in La Grande, known for its Mount Emily brand. Throughout high school, he worked at the family packing plant and participated in football, playing left guard (#52) on a team that reached the state championship. In December 1944, having completed all graduation requirements, he enlisted in the Navy and served for two years in the South Pacific. Upon returning to La Grande in 1946, Dad reconnected with Frances Webber, whom he had met years earlier at a Nazarene church youth group. Dad drove to Nampa after Frances returned from college. They married in Caldwell, Idaho, a union described by loved ones as a true love story, lasting 78 years. The couple settled in La Grande and welcomed their children: Alan (1948), Judy (1949), Mark (1954), and Pat (1958). In 1961, the family moved to Yakima, where he worked at H&H Meat Packing for several years before retiring from Swift in 1976. After a brief retirement, he joined Washington Beef, retiring again in 1989, but continued to help local meat shops during hunting season. Dad enjoyed going fishing with his good friend Tram Pasa. Family vacations were a cherished tradition, and after both retired, Mom and Dad enjoyed road trips, cruises, and visits to Disneyland and Disney World. In 2016, they moved to Living Care, where they made friends that have lasted a lifetime. Remembered as a devoted Christian who deeply loved God and cherished his family, Dual was preceded in death by his parents, brother John, sister Lillian and granddaughter Stephanie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 78 years, Frances; sons Alan (and wife Margaret) and Marc (and wife Janice); daughters Judy (and husband Jim Dodge) and Pat (and husband Jim Rowland); four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. We want to thank the staff at Healthcare Center at Summitview for the great care they gave dad for the three years he was there. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity in honor of Dual!