Eldon M. Magnusson, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on March 31, 2008 in the arms of his eternal companion. He was born in Mesa, AZ on October 31, 1920 to Peter and Lettie Magnusson. Raised in Mesa, Eldon graduated from Mesa High School in 1938, attended Business College, then fulfilled an LDS mission in the East Central States. He served in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers during WWII in the Asia Pacific Theater. Eldon worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years, retiring as an accountant. Eldon married Donna Mae Merrill in the Arizona Temple in 1944. Together they worked hard to build a wonderful life and enjoyed a deep and devoted relationship as they dedicated their lives to the service of their family and the Lord. He served faithfully in many church callings including more than 20 years as a temple worker. Eldon loved scouts as a boy, as a leader of boys, and as a leader of men. He spent countless hours training scouts and scout leaders. He never turned away a boy or a troop; sometimes driving 50 miles each week to fulfill his duty to the boys he served. He was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver. Eldon earned a deep and abiding respect from all who knew him. He was exceptionally gentle, patient, and kind. He was a man of humility, honor and quiet inner strength. We loved his gentle teasing and sense of humor. Though he is gone, Eldon leaves us his enduring example of steady faithfulness as a true follower of Christ. On his honor, Eldon fulfilled his duty to his country, his family and his God. Eldon is survived by his devoted wife Donna; his children, Pennie Scadlock, Kevin (Judy), Donell Heywood (Alan), Keith (LaDonna), Wayne (Heather), Maureen Magnusson; his sisters, Nadine Davis, and Velda Martz; 31 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his precious son Carl; and his brother Robert Cleo. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mesa North Stake Center, 933 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements handled by Bunker's Garden Chapel (480) 964-8686. Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.
