Joseph Lloyd Eldredge

In Loving Memory of Joseph Lloyd Eldredge

May 3, 1935 - January 24, 2025

With both heavy hearts and deep peace, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and devoted husband, Joseph Lloyd Eldredge, who left this world on January 24, 2025, just 16 days after the death of his cherished wife, Cherie.

Though we grieve his passing, we are comforted knowing that he has been reunited with the love of his life. His deep love for Cherie was a central part of his life, and we know that their reunion is a joyous one.

Born on May 3, 1935, at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lloyd was the son of Lois Thomas and Wayne Lambert Eldredge, who later divorced.

Lois married James Boyer "Jim" Durrant, who lovingly raised Lloyd as his own, fostering a love for the outdoors, especially fishing, creating many cherished memories with his family. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Lloyd shared a deep love and respect for his mother, who played a significant role in shaping his life. His love of movies, in particular, was born from his close relationship with her, as they often bonded over films.

As the oldest sibling, Lloyd was a devoted brother to his younger siblings Gene, Sharon, Kelly, and Shellie. Later, during his teenage years, he reconnected with his birth father, Wayne Lambert Eldredge, which added another meaningful layer to his identity and life journey. Through this connection, he also formed relationships with his additional siblings Gary, Jim and Ruth, embracing them with love and devotion throughout his life.

Lloyd faced many challenges in his early years, including financial hardships and serious health struggles. He endured several accidents, one of which left a lasting scar under his chin, and battled illnesses such as rheumatic fever, a heart murmur and a severe case of infectious hepatitis.

These experiences served as constant reminders of life's fragility and the reality that death could come at any moment. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, Lloyd worked tirelessly to ensure his family would never experience the poverty he had known. His trials shaped him into a man of unwavering faith, deep devotion to his family and an unshakable commitment to providing for and protecting his loved ones.

Lloyd met the love of his life, Cherie, at Brigham Young University. They both shared a passion for music and were part of the BYU Opera Workshop, where their bond grew stronger. This was the beginning of a magical love story. On June 14, 1957, they were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple, beginning a marriage that would last 67 years, filled with adventures, laughter, service and devotion.

Together they had seven children. Lloyd instilled in them the values of hard work, faith and love for the Savior. He passed down his love of the outdoors and fishing to his children and grandchildren. His love for music was another great joy of his life, which he passed down to future generations.

While raising a family, Lloyd graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree and a Doctorate degree from the University of Utah. A gifted educator, Lloyd contributed to the field of elementary education, authoring many textbooks and publications which continue to shape the learning experiences of students and teachers to this day. Lloyd was internationally and nationally known as a reading expert. His professional achievements and accolades are too many to list. At the time of his retirement, he was a Professor of Elementary Education and Graduate Program Coordinator at BYU.

Lloyd was a man of deep spiritual conviction as evidenced by his lifetime of service in the LDS Church. He was a bishop several times, served two missions with Cherie and served in the temple almost to his dying day. His example of faith perseverance and service continue to inspire those who knew him.

It was in their service to each other, however, that their love truly flourished. Cherie's health began to decline in her final years and Lloyd dedicated himself entirely to caring for her. Despite facing his own health challenges, he remained devoted to her, doing his best to care for her needs until he was overcome with his own ailments.

Lloyd's grief was immeasurable when Cherie passed away, and, just 16 days later, he followed her. Their love, unshaken by the trials they faced, was truly eternal.

He is survived by his seven children and spouses; Joseph Lloyd Eldredge Jr. (Jeanine), Stephen James Eldredge, Gaylene Cherie Eldredge, Kristin Jessica Farnsworth (Ron), Bradley Poyfair Eldredge (Jennie), Michelle Eldredge Russell (Matt) and Nicole Eldredge; 37 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings, Sharon Darlene Adams (Ken) and Ruth Noorda. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cherie, his parents and his siblings, Gene Durrant, Kelly Durrant, Shellie Lunn, Gary Eldredge and Jim Eldredge.

A celebration of Lloyd's incredible life will be held on February 1, 2025, at 12 pm with a viewing starting at 10 am at The LDS chapel - 350 South 900 East, Orem, Ut. 84097, followed by a graveside service at Orem City Cemetery - 1520 North 800 East Orem, Ut. 84097, where he will be laid to rest beside his eternal companion, Cherie.

Friends and family are invited to join us in honoring his memory.

Though our hearts ache with his passing, we take solace in knowing that their love story will continue, and that families are forever. We look forward to the day when we will be reunited with both our parents and experience the fullness of their love once more.