Everett Eldon Bloom

Everett Eldon Bloom, born on July 27, 1941, in Doland, South Dakota known affectionately as Grandpa, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at the age of 84.

He was a very active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Knoxville. A distinguished materials scientist and devoted family man, Everett leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to nuclear materials research and a lifetime of cherished relationships. Everett spent his early childhood in Doland until he pursued his undergraduate education at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota, graduating in 1963 with a B.S. in metallurgical engineering.

Everett joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in 1963 embarking on a remarkable 42- year career there. He specialized in the effects of neutron irradiation on structural materials, critical for nuclear fission and fusion systems. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (materials science focus) by 1970.

In 1965, Everett married Carol Ann Pfotenhauer (December 1940 – October 2009) of Pierre, South Dakota, beginning a devoted 44-year partnership that anchored his life amid a demanding career. They had two sons, Brian Dalyn Bloom (September 4, 1965 - April 18, 1986), and Gary Alan Bloom, who survives his father along with his wife Aleisa.

Gary and Aleisa have two children Ashley Bloom Cowan (married, Kelby Cowan) and Garrett Michael Bloom.

Everett is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Patricia Sandlin Bloom. He rose through leadership roles in ORNL's Metals and Ceramics Division with a final role as Director of the Metals and Ceramics Division until his retirement in 2005. Everett authored or co-authored over 200 scientific papers and held several patents, often collaborating internationally. Everett was a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), recognizing his outstanding contributions to nuclear science and engineering. He also received the Nathan W. Dougherty Award from the University of Tennessee's College of Engineering (Tickle College of Engineering), an honor named for a legendary UT engineering figure and bestowed on alumni for distinguished professional achievement.

Post-retirement Everett remained active, serving on advisory boards like the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Academic Advisory Board and the National Research Council's - National Materials Advisory Board. Everett was a passionate husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was known for his down to earth disposition and love of woodworking. Woodworking was not just a hobby for Everett but a journey of the soul.

He will be greatly missed leaving a legacy of love and kindness of family and friends.

On February 6, 2026, the family will receive friends at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am, and a reception in the Family Life Center at 12:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church 9076 Middlebrook Pike Knoxville , TN 37923. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of CADES and Parkwest Medical Center for the wonderful care provided. Donations in his memory can be made to CADES and Grace Lutheran Church.