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Eldon Launer Obituary
Eldon was born March 15, 1944, in Santa Monica, Calif., the son of Truman F. and Mabel C. (Hufendick) Launer, and in 1948 the family moved back to the Basco, Ill., area to help with the family farm.
He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1962 and from Valparaiso Technical Institute in 1964.
In 1966 he joined the U.S. Army Reserves, receiving his honorable discharge in 1973.
On Aug. 12, 1967, he was united in marriage with Doris Jean Phipps at the Elvaston Presbyterian Church. She survives.
Eldon had worked as a communications technician for the Illinois State Police Radio Lab from 1965-1970. From 1970 to 1994, he worked for the Panhandle Eastern Pipeline as a microwave engineer. He then returned to the Illinois State Police Radio Lab as a communications technician in 1994, until his retirement in 2005.
Eldon received his amateur radio license (HAM) while a sophomore in high school, WA9ACW, was an active HAM radio operator his entire life, and a member of the Sangamon Valley Radio Club. He had a passion for American Indian history and was active in the Illinois State Museum Society and the Central States Archeological Society. He maintained his family's farm for many years after his parents' deaths. He was a collector of many things.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Doris, of Springfield; a son, Jon Frederick Launer of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; two grandsons, Jared Michael Ebel and Brayden Kai Launer; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; aunt; uncles; and cousins.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 8, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, Ill., with burial to follow in the Elvaston Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the Sangamon County Radio Club in care of Roger Whitaker, 2994 S. Douglas St., Springfield, IL 62704, or the Animal Protection League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.
Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eldon Launer
Sponsored by Printy Funeral Home - Carthage.
Calvin R Scheuermann
June 28, 2025
For some reason was not able to attend his funeral, however, I think of him often. He was a very mild caring person. A tribute to have known him and attended school with him never causing issues.
Alan Tabor
July 11, 2021
Sorry to hear of Eldon's passing. I always enjoyed seeing Eldon at coffee on Wednesdays before we moved. I also liked it when I would catch him on the ham radio. 73 Eldon
Cal Scheuermann
July 11, 2021
Thinking of you and prayers for the family. Eldon is a credit to our country. His sincere, kind, productive nature is that which makes us proud.
Tommy Bryden
July 8, 2021
I want to express my sympathy to Doris and Eldon's family and friends. We shared a love of Native American history and artifacts, and I enjoyed visiting with Eldon at shows and auctions over the years.
Larry & Judy Henrikson
July 8, 2021
Eldon was a good friend. I didn't find out till today or I would have been there to send him off.
Sheila Presbrey
July 7, 2021
All of us at Famous Salon were deeply saddened to hear of Eldons passing. We were blessed to have been a part of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Doris and family. RIP Eldon you will be missed
-Famous Salon Staff
Rita Ferry
July 4, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Eldon´s family. God be with you at this time of your loss.
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