January 26, 1934 – July 22, 2019
Eldon N. Deardorf, 85, Noblesville, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2019 at the St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital in Indianapolis, after a brief illness. He was born on January 26, 1934 to Orion and Golda Deardorf near Anton, Colorado, and spent his childhood on his parents’ dairy farm, sparking a lifelong love of animals.
Eldon joined the Air Force in 1954 as an Airman, and retired in 1978 as a Lieutenant Colonel with 24 years of service. While in service, he served two tours in Vietnam, flying over 100 combat missions in the F-105 Thunderchief and F-4 Phantom II fighter jets, as well as B-52 bombers. Eldon was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and five Air Medals. He later served as a Crew Commander of Titan I and Titan II ICBMs. Much of his career was spent flying B-52s as a Radar Navigator in the Strategic Air Command.
Eldon met Joan Matkin and they married in 1958, beginning their 61-year marriage. They raised five daughters in over a half dozen military locations.
During his career, he attended the Air Force Institute of Technology Program at the University of Arizona, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Colonel Deardorf connected engineering students with job opportunities as the co-op coordinator for the University of Dayton. He then worked as a contract design engineer for Delco Electronics, division of General Motors, for 11 years. Eldon was always curious and creative, and was awarded two patents for his inventions. Finally, SMS Marketing enlisted him to help with the design of a light turbine engine.
Eldon was a lifelong learner, mentor, father figure, advisor and he enriched the lives of everyone he touched. He believed women could do anything and encouraged his wife and daughters to pursue careers as scientists, engineers, artists and military leaders.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Joan; five daughters, Joanne, Catherine, Margaret, Andrea and Danette; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers.
Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, Noblesville. Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2019 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 9900 E. 191st St., Noblesville.
Condolences: randallroberts.com
Arrangements
Calling: 1 to 4 p.m., July 28
Location: Randall & Roberts Funeral Center
Service: 11 a.m., July 29
Location: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Condolences: randallroberts.com