Charles Wayne Elledge

Charles Wayne Elledge beloved husband, father and grandfather passed suddenly, but peacefully after a very brief bout of pneumonia on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Known by all as Wayne, he was born to Charles Dillingham Elledge and Eula Gale in Franklin, AZ on July 27, 1927. Raised in the small town of Coolidge, Arizona as a child of the depression Wayne learned to appreciate hard work and education, even giving up his spot on the U of A basketball team as it was getting in the way of his engineering studies. An engineer by trade, he spent many years working for El Paso Natural Gas in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Working for North American Aviation he also helped to design the landing gear used on some of the first mock fighter jets. He has four children from previous marriages. In 1974, Wayne married Betty Lee Young. They had a daughter and remained married to the present day. Wayne was a Renaissance Man. He excelled as an engineer, an accomplished architect, home builder, historian, chef and gardener. Not only could he grow grass on a bowling ball, but he could teach others how to do it as well. He was a masterful teacher. Even in retirement Wayne couldn't live comfortably without a work assignment, whether it be serving a church welfare mission, or various engineering contracts. His mind was keen, and he continued to read and learn, especially into his later years. Despite the personal tragedies of his life, Wayne stood as a pillar of strength and provided an example to all those around him. He espoused the virtues of work, the importance of family, and he did it all with a touch of compassion that brought others to learn from him. He was a favorite of his grandchildren with his stories about his own childhood, his family history, and the prospector and his mule Jenny stories that he created himself. He held a deep love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, and spoke and acted powerfully in representing his message to his fellowman. He will be missed dearly, but his legacy and work will remain through generations. Wayne is survived by his wife, Betty Young Elledge. He had five children, Charles (Kathy), Mark (Barbara), Susan (Tim) Shaw, Megan (Fred) Hall and Jennifer (Trent) Humphries. Additionally he had three stepchildren whom he loved dearly: Mark (Deb) Oropeza, Bob (Marcie) Oropeza and Nicki DiCampli. He currently counts 26 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren as part of his increasing legacy. The Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Tucson North Stake building at 939 W. Chapala Drive. The Viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m., prior to the Funeral. Wayne will be interred at the LDS Binghampton Cemetery at 4001 N. Alvernon Way. Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel (742-7901).