In Memory

William Delos Eldred - Class Of 1945

William Delos Eldred

William D Eldred passed away on April 29, 2017 at Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora at the age of 90. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family and was passionate about serving his community. 

Bill was born and raised in the South Pasadena and San Marino area. After a two year stint in the US Navy during World War II, Bill enrolled at Occidental College in Eagle Rock under the GI bill. It was during this time that he met and married his wife Joan in 1951 and lived in the on-campus veterans' housing until graduation. Bill and Joan lived in northern California and Covina for a short period of time, and then settled in Glendora in 1962 where they raised their three children.

Bill started his career as a salesman at the iconic family-owned Fowler Brother's Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles, then became a Fuller Brush salesman before cofounding Plate Products, a metal plating company and manufacturer of soldering tools and equipment, for 50 years. Bill was a member of Glenkirk Presbyterian Church for over 50 years where he served on many committees, as well as serving as a Deacon and an Elder. Bill was also very involved with his college alma mater Occidental College and served on Occidental's Alumni Association Board of Governors and the college's Board of Trustees in the 1970s and 1980s. Bill also served on the Foothill Presbyterian Hospital Board during the 1980s and 1990s and then served on the Executive Campaign Committee of the Friends for Life Campaign.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Joan of 62 years. He is survived by his children Karen (Hassan) El-Kara, Kirk (Kimberly) Eldred, and Gretchen (Brian) Eslinger; six grandchildren; and his sister Doris Eldred (SPHS '43) and six nieces and nephews.

San Gabriel Valley Tribune, May 17, 2017