Eldon Eugene McElroy, 84, of Indianola, Iowa, passed away on March 18, 2024 at Arbor Springs Care Facility in West Des Moines. Eldon was born on September 30, 1939 to Jacob and Stella McElroy in Milo, Iowa. He graduated from Milo High School in 1958 and went on to the United States Air Force, serving over four years, before starting his career at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, where he worked until retiring in 1994.

Eldon married Joan Margaret Ware in June of 1960. Last June they celebrated 63 years together. They welcomed three daughters: Michele, Renee, and Mahria. Eldon cared deeply for his family, thriving as a provider, and creating experiences for his grandkids. He was always looking for opportunities to bring his family together with focaccia ('foggy') bread, good food, and Cajun music. His advice and recipes will benefit them for years to come.

Eldon was a passionate outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting, hunter's safety instruction, taxidermy, gardening, and preserving what he grew. He also enjoyed hobbies such as painting, wine making, traveling, flea marketing, and volunteering at National Balloon Classic events.

Eldon was also a trained chef. After his retirement, he attended cooking schools in Memphis, Tennessee and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, perfecting his southern cuisine. Some of his famous favorites include jambalaya, crawfish pie, and king cake. He even employed some of his grandchildren to help him publish his own book of recipes called The Camouflage Cookbook.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Stella; sister, Joann Hoch, and sister, Irma Ware. He is survived by his faithful wife, Joan; daughters, Michele, Renee (Jeff), and Mahria (PJ); eight grandchildren; Micheal (Katie), Nancy, Emily (Meredith), Josh (Melanie), Paul (Gretchen), Vince (Arryn), Nicolas, and Samuel; nine great-grandchildren; and sister Carolyn (Tom) Weaver.

A private service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in his name to Suncrest Hospice Home Health in West Des Moines or to the Alzheimer's Iowa Chapter, https://www.alz.org/iowa, 1415 28th Street, Suite 430, West Des Moines, IA 50266.