David Thomas Eldred

David Thomas Eldred, born March 15, 1937, in Sidney, NY, and a resident of Oak Harbor, OH, since 1976, died peacefully on March 4, 2009. He had been a resident of Riverview Nursing Home for several months due to declining health. David served as Senior Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy Seabees. A veteran of seven tours in Antarctica, David received the Navy Achievement Award for services performed there. Eldred Point on that continent bears his name. Eldred Glacier, also in Antarctica, was named for whaling captain Andrew J. Eldred about 75 years before David set foot on the continent. Following retirement from the Navy in 1974, David embarked upon a second career and retired from Centerior Energy First Energy in 1992 with the title of Sr. Nuclear Design Technologist. David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia A. Nichols Eldred, whom he married November 26, 1958, in Oneonta, NY. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Kate nee McFarland in 1966, his father, Carman in 1974, and his sister, Irene in 2000. Surviving family members include sons, David A. Eldred of Oak Harbor, OH, Jason I. Eldred of New Port Richey, FL, Lt. Col. Eric Eldred, USMC, of Peyton, CO, and daughter, Andrika S. Hinkle of Fremont, OH; as well as two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and brother, Timothy J. Eldred of Brockport, NY. David was cremated without ceremony as per his final wishes. He had requested to be interred, along with his wife, at Arlington National Cemetery. If you would like to make a donation in his name, David requested you consider the Ottawa County Humane Society, 2424 E. Sand Rd., Port Clinton, Ohio 43452. In recognition of their outstanding care of David in his final days, the family would also add the consideration of Stein Hospice, www.steinhospice.org/donations.html, or the donors choice. The Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Oak Harbor, assisted the family with arrangements.