Dr. Leon Earl Eldredge

LEON EARL ELDREDGE, JR. OBITUARY

Dr. Leon Earl Eldredge, Jr. passed away September 12, 2013 at Jonesboro Health & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born August 31, 1929 in Fisher Island, New York to Leon Earl Eldredge, Sr. and Mona Dorcas Carlough Eldredge. He was the youngest of five children.

He graduated from Pearl River High School, Pearl River, New York in 1947. He obtained his nursing diploma from Rockland State Hospital in Orangeburg, New York in 1951.

He received his Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Masters of Science degree in Nursing, and MSE degree from Columbia University in New York, New York. He obtained his Doctorate degree in Education from the University of Arkansas in 1974. He was a proud Razorback.

He and his family came to Jonesboro in 1968 where Dr. Eldredge started the ASU Nursing program. After leaving Jonesboro, he was instrumental in starting nursing education programs at colleges and universities in Tyler, Texas, San Angelo, Texas, Orlando, Florida, and Brevard County, Florida.

He was a veteran who served in the Marine Corp (1951-1953) and the Army Nurse Corp (1966-1968). He obtained the rank of Major.

Dr. Eldredge was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers; James Eldredge, Harry Eldredge, and Arthur Eldredge.

Survivors include his daughter, Susan Eldredge Baker (Steve) of Jonesboro, sons, David Eldredge (Anne) of Houston, Texas, and Thomas Eldredge (Cynthia) of Longwood, Florida and a sister, Mona Dorcas Goddard of Tampa Florida. He is also survived by three grandsons: Zac Baker (Amanda) of Jonesboro, James Eldredge, and John Eldredge of Longwood, Florida.

Dr. Eldredge was a member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Vero Beach, Florida and a former member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jonesboro. His interests included: tennis, bridge, singing in choirs, and serving as a Hospice volunteer. He was a member of Jonesboro, Arkansas Masonic Lodge 129 for 41 years.

The family requests consideration of memorials to the ASU College of Nursing or Hospice House 1148 E. Matthews Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401.

A private memorial service will be held by the family.