Elton Omer Eslinger

Elton Omer Eslinger Elton Omer Eslinger passed away on Dec. 9, 2007, following a brave and gallant fight against brain cancer. He was still handsome, full of life, and 73 years young. He will be missed greatly every day by his life partner, best-team member, and wife of 52 years, Rolita, as well as his four children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his sister Kathleen. He will also be remembered and missed greatly every day by numerous extended family members and many friends. Elton Omer Eslinger was the oldest child born to I. Elton and Enid Eslinger on Sept. 8, 1934 in Twin Falls, Idaho. Elton spent his childhood years working on the family farm and going to school. When he had free time, he loved to go shooting on the farm and nearby BLM land. He often went fishing with his parents, aunts, uncles and grandfather. They moved to Gooding, Idaho for his Junior and Senior years where Elton lettered in Football and Baseball, graduating from Gooding High School. Elton attended Idaho State College from 1953-1955 where he received an associate's degree. After graduating in May of 1955, he was immediately recruited by IBM Corporation. That same month, he was also married to his one and only, Rolita Eloise Garrard. They were married in Boise, Idaho, before being sent for Elton's initial training with IBM to New York State. Following that, Elton and Lita settled into Idaho Falls, ID in 1956, where Elton worked as a Customer Engineer. He repaired many of the early computing machines at familiar sites in Idaho such as INEL. Between 1957 and 1962, Elton and Rolita had four children. The lived in Idaho 12 years before Elton was promoted and transferred to Portland, Ore. in July of 1967. They lived there for 38 years in the home they built together. Elton could often be seen in Southwest Portland parks, coaching little league baseball, playing tennis or walking the family dogs with grandchildren. He was a big supporter of his children and his grandchildren and took the time to teach them all. Elton's 36 year career with IBM was completed when he retired as a Field Manager in 1991. He was able to enjoy 16 years of retirement, doing the things he loved. Few things made him happier than having family around him. Elton loved to spend time in God's creation hunting, fishing and camping with his many family members, relatives and close friends. Even when severely weakened by the cancer, he still endeavored to pursue wild elk and trout. He was very active in shooting Sporting Clays, Trap and Skeet at several Gun Clubs in Portland and Salem, Ore. While participating, Elton forged many strong friendships with other shooters. Spending time shooting, reloading and talking with friends at the range became one of his great passions. Late in life, he started to enjoy playing golf. In Portland they attended West Hills Covenant Church for many years. In Boise they attended Cloverdale Church of God. Elton loved to help others whenever they were in need. Elton was known by all to be a man with integrity-someone who could be counted on. He consistently put the interests of others before his own. He was a brave, sensitive, loving and giving man. In May of 2005, the Eslingers moved from Portland, back to Boise (the city in which Elton and Rolita were married). There in Boise, they purchased their dream home which came with a view of the golf course. Elton liked to sit on the patio swing, facing southwest over the golf course, and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Elton leaves behind his wife Rolita, four children--his daughter Elizabeth, and his three sons Rodney, Kelly and David. He will also be missed by his seven grandchildren (Rodney Jr., Jeweli, Daniel, Trevor, MacKenzie, Jordan and Phillip) as well as one great grandchild (Marisa). Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007 at Cloverdale Funeral Home with viewing beginning at noon. Services are under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, it was Elton's wish that any contributions be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or Father Flannigan's Boys Town. We also wish to give a special thanks to Legacy Home Hospice for all they did for Elton and the family during this very difficult time.