Eldon Chadwick - December 28, 2012

1938-2012
Eldon Howard “Sam” Chadwick, one of three sons of Samuel James and Ruth Ollie (Bone) Chadwick, was born September 11, 1938, in Auburn, Nebraska. He attended school in Auburn and graduated from Auburn High School.
After high school, Eldon began a truck driving career. This was interrupted in 1961 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served for three years, returning to the Auburn area after his honorable discharge.
On April 8, 1967, Sam, as he was known to many, married Eva C. Stine in Fairfax, Missouri. They were blessed with four daughters: Joyce, Dena, Lora and Samantha. Sam and Eva made their home in the Auburn area except for a short time in Arkansas.
Eldon was a truck driver for many years, but he also worked construction on the Cooper Nuclear Station at Brownville, Nebraska and a grain elevator in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 23 in Auburn, and had been a member of the Auburn Eagles. Sam enjoyed working on his truck, talking on the phone and peddling produce. He loved being outside and working with his hands.
After being hospitalized in a Lincoln hospital, Eldon was transferred to the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn. It was there he passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012, at the age of 74 years, three months and 17 days. His parents, brother Alan, wife Eva and daughter Deana preceded him in death.
Eldon is survived by his daughters Joyce Strobel of Humboldt; Lora and husband Fred DeHail of Chinchilla, Australia; Samantha Arena and Jack Reeves of Auburn; grandchildren Rachel and husband Brian Jeanneret, Ashley Kite, William Wilson, Jessica Leslie, James Arena, Paige Arena, Katrina Hamilton and Charlie Arena; great-grandchildren Lacy Carlson and Abby Kite; brother Dean Chadwick of Quinlan, Texas; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in Auburn, officiated by the Rev. Penny Schulz. Ruth Leslie was organist and accompanist for a solo by James Arena and congregational songs.
Casket bearers were James Arena, Charlie Arena, Jack Reeves, Bob Kite and Alan Kite. William Wilson, Mike Armstrong and Brian Jeanneret served as honorary bearers.
Burial was in Bedford Cemetery near Howe, with graveside military honors by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn and the Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.