Fred "Mr. Fred" Eldridge, Jr.

Fred "Mr. Fred" Eldridge Jr., age 88, of Forrest City, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at the Crestpark Retirement Inn in Forrest City. Mr. Eldridge was born June 12, 1928, in Forrest City, and was the son of Fred Eldridge, Sr. and Fannie Belle Davis Eldridge. He was co-owner, with his wife, Nita, of Eldridge Tire and Wheel, and after 53 years of service he retired at the age of 84. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Forrest City, a member of the Forrest City Kiwanis Club, and of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a former scout master Troop 202; former scout master, with his wife, Nita of the Co-Ed Explorer Post; and was a lifetime member of the Arkansas Independent Tire Dealers. He and his wife met and served in the U.S. Navy, and he loved to take trips with his bride. He loved working with young people and many have expressed thanks for the positive influence he had on their lives. Mr. Eldridge married Nita B. Haseloff in 1954, and she survives him along with two daughters; Barbara Davis, and husband, Wayne, of Alma, and Elaine Hunthrop, and husband, Ted, of Sherwood; and several nieces and nephews. He had one daughter, Beverly Eldridge Todd, two brothers: George Eldridge and Tommy Eldridge, who preceded him in death. Special thanks to the Leonard Earl Devazier family for their friendship and support, and to all his health care providers who enabled him to play until the end. Services for Mr. Eldridge will be held at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 2 p.m., Friday, with burial following in Lindsey Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday evening, 6 until 8 p.m., at Stevens Funeral Home, with Stevens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to be made to the St. Francis County Elves, c/o Brad Beavers, P.O. 924, Forrest City, Ark. 72336, or the Forrest City Public Library, 421 S. Washington, Forrest City, Ark. 72335. In order to honor Mr. Fred's joy of life, the family request all to wear bright colors. You may log on to stevensfuneralhome.net for the online registry.