Frank "Butch" Eldridge

Retired TSgt Frank “Butch” Eldridge, age 84, of Saucier, MS passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2024 with his wife at his side.

He was born in Independence, LA on April 29, 1940. He grew up in Spring Creek and Kentwood, LA until enlisting in the US Army after graduating from high school.

Frank served in the US Army for 6 years where he was stationed at Fort Story, VA and Ft. Sill, OK. He then joined the US Air Force where he served 14 years and was stationed at Yokota AFB, Japan and then at Keesler AFB in Biloxi where he retired on 4/1/79 as a TSgt from the pediatric clinic. After retiring, he attended MGCCC, Jefferson Davis Campus, where he earned his Associates Degree in Nursing. He worked at Howard Memorial Hospital, Ocean Springs Hospital and then at Gulfport Memorial Hospital. He retired from neonatal nursing at Gulfport Memorial in 2010 at the age of 70. He loved doing ceramics, gardening, raising chickens, ducks, geese and most importantly, his goats. His faithful companion, Lucky, was by his side for the last thirteen and a half years and Frank really loved him.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Winona Cutrer and Frank Eldridge, Jr.; his sister, Minnie Marie Erwin; and brothers, Darvie Erwin, Paul Erwin and Allen Eldridge.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Sharon Eldridge, as well as his daughters, Stacey Thomas, Terry Lepre, Tammy Barnes and Samantha Eldridge. He also leaves behind granddaughters Mindy Lepre and Samantha Gunnoe and grandsons Jacob Barnes and Nicholas Barnes.

We are forever grateful to Ryan Martin for his years of service to Frank. He has been his wonderful caregiver and best friend during these last few years and would do anything for Frank. Frank regarded him as the son he never had.

Visitation will be at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15452 O’Neal Road, Gulfport, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral procession to Biloxi National Cemetery for a 12:30 graveside service.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Frank Eldridge.