Eldon Child

Eldon Robert Child, 92, crossed over peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at his home in St. George, Utah, a day before is 93rd birthday. He was born September 18, 1920 to Joseph W. Child and Cora Ann Waldr on Child.

Eldon served his country in WWII as a lieuten ant in the United States Air Force. He received numerous honors including the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross , and a Purple Heart for his service as a pilot of the B17 Flying Fortress. Following his military service, he earned his master’s degree at Utah State in Zoology.

On August 6, 1946 he married his soulmate, Arvilla Ellen Wright, and they remained inseparable until her passing in 2008. He retired from the U. S. Department of Agriculture in 198 1 after 35 years of service. His passions were g ol f , gardening, and edu cation . Eldon was a humble, honest, patriotic, compassionate, generous, and loyal man. He was a great father, husband, grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and friend.

He is survived by his daughters Marilyn C. Howe and Kaylene C. Peterson, 7 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Military honors were given by the VFW in a private ceremony at Roy City Cemet e ry on Saturday September 21, 2013.