Don Eldridge

1938 - 2024

Don Eldridge
09/21/1938 - 10/19/2024
DON HINKLE ELDRIDGE, 86, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Don faithfully walked the path of discipleship and followed the examples of Christ. In this manner, he blessed and enriched those around him. Don put the needs of others before his own. He will always be remembered for his engaging conversations and gentle demeanor.
Don was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on September 21, 1938. He graduated with a Business Administration and Economics degree from the University of Tennessee. After obtaining his degree, Don was commissioned in the U. S. Army. Don began a long career in finance and accounting at Dun & Bradstreet. After establishing their Texas offices, Don settled in Houston.
After becoming a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Don met Karen Ann Brewer, who became the love of his life. Over 56 years, Don served his church in many capacities. Most notably, Don was revered for his role as a teacher for the Bethel and Disciple bible studies, as well as several adult Sunday School classes.
In his free time, Don constantly evolved his research skills to trace his family history to the 1700s. One of his most notable achievements, included identifying ancestors in the "Old Three Hundred." The title refers to the settlers who received land grants as part of Stephen F. Austin's first colonial contract in Mexican Texas. Coupled with this discovery, he reveled in reviewing copies of associated documents, surveys, and maps.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Barbara Hinkle and James Franklin Eldridge; his sisters Martha Louise, Betty Laverne, Barbara Ann; and his brother Robert Alfred.
Don is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Karen Ann Eldridge and his son David Andrew Eldridge. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Stephen Brewer and partner Joseph Cody Causby of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Karen and David would like to express their profound gratitude for the prayerful support of their circles of friends over these last few months. In addition, they sincerely appreciate the loving and tireless care provided by Adrienne Spencer.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 31st at 11:00 am, in the Sanctuary of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, with Dr. Tom Pace officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Hines Baker Room. Separately, the family will have gathered for a private service and inurnment in the St. Luke's Memorial Garden.
For those unable to attend the memorial service, a livestream link follows. Please note that the livestream will not be available from the church's website. https://storage.stlukesmethodist.org/don-eldridge/
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Luke's United Methodist Church https://stlukesmethodist.org/give-now, MD Anderson Cancer Center https://gifts.mdanderson.org, Amazing Place https://www.amazingplacehouston.org/donate, or a charity of your choice.