Eldon Eugene Tapp

1940 - 2024

Nampa - Eldon Eugene Tapp, 84, passed away peacefully in his home in Nampa, Idaho, on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, surrounded by loved ones and his watchdog, "Midg."

Eldon, or ET (the nickname given by his sons and that everyone including him lovingly embraced) was born on September 6th, 1940, in Tyler, Minnesota, to David and Emma Tapp. He was the oldest of four boys followed by Arlen, David, and Gary Tapp.

As a child, Eldon and his brother, Arlen, traveled by train with their mother to the Pacific Northwest, and eventually settled in Nampa, where they found Emma's true love, and their father, David H. Tapp.

After graduating from Nampa High School (Go Bulldogs!), Eldon married the love of his life, Judy Marie Burch on August 18th, 1960. Eldon and Judy grew up in neighboring pastures on the same side of the tracks. It only took a few walks past Emma's Market on 1st Street North and a date at the county fair, before Eldon proposed to Judy in front of his '55 Mercury. Her response? "I'll think on it." For the next 64 years they would share a hamburger at the Western Idaho Fair on their anniversary.

Eldon and Judy quickly got to work on their four children, Troy, Caryn, Mike, and Mark. Eldon loved his family and worked hard to make sure they were supported in all their endeavors; whether it was golfing, violin, hunting, or BMX racing. The family enjoyed pizza every Friday night at Shakey's, drive-in movies, and trips to the coast.

To support his family, Eldon drew inspiration from his mother, forging a lucrative career in baking. He worked for Eddy's and Albertsons, eventually becoming the Bakery Division Sales Manager. During his 28 years at Albertsons, traveling all throughout the West, Eldon's contributions to hiring and training created a long-lasting legacy. His talent for educating was cultivated by his passion for learning.

Eldon pursued many passions, achieving greatness in all. He was an avid golfer, jogger, and boxer. Duking it out in numerous professional rings, he earned "Middle-Weight Champion" status in Caldwell. After his family, Eldon's greatest passion was music. He was a self-taught guitar and bass player, lead singer, and lover of old-country and honky-tonk. He played in a number of bands including Country Revolution, Country Roads, and most recently, Deep Water, regularly rowdying crowds at the Eagles and Caldwell Senior Center. His wife Judy, when not singing alongside him, could be found on the dance floor, encouraging the "toe-tappers" out of their seats. She was always his biggest fan.

Eldon's musical talent could only be rivaled by his sense of humor. You had to have thick skin, as there were no victims spared; wife, kids, and grandchildren included. "Quippy," as Judy accurately describes.

Though he had a penchant for laughter, he was ready and willing to step in and help when times were tough, always leaving people better than he found them.



Eldon was preceded in death by his mother and father, Emma Mae and David H. Tapp and his brother Arlen Tapp.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Troy (Kim), Mike (Monika), and Mark (Tina); daughter, Caryn (Mike); brothers, David (Brenda), and Gary (Cheryl) Tapp; along with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rest in peace our "western warrior." We hope you are up there catching up with Arlen and jamming with Merle Haggard.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd., Nampa, ID.