"Just heard of Eldy passing. I met him on an ambulance at pilot training, we were going to DM for knee surgery. His left and my right. We were stationed at Offutt together and was hired in the same class at SWA. I feel lucky to have known him and to have worked with him. My deepest sympathies go out to his family...he will be missed by all that knew him."
In loving memory of
Eldon Ray Lindstrom
Eldon Ray Lindstrom, 66, passed to his heavenly home on Monday, July 8, 2019 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born on November 28, 1952 in Greeley, CO to Donald and Delores (Swanson) Lindstrom. He attended all Greeley schools graduating in 1970 from Greeley Central. He then received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO. He graduated from there June 1974.
Eldon married Alice Wagner at the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel on March 25th, 1978. He then served in the Air Force from June 5, 1974 until March 14,1981. During those 8 years they lived in Omaha, Nebraska and he was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. While serving there, he flew Reconnaissance RC-135s. He then started with Southwest Airlines on March 16, 1981 and they moved to Richardson, Texas. In May of 1988 they relocated to Phoenix with Southwest. He retired as a Captain from Southwest Airlines after 36 years of employment on November 27th, 2018.
Eldon was a member and very actively involved at Desert Springs Bible Church for over 20 years.
His passions were his faith, family and their activities, traveling, and watching major sports. Within the last three years, he developed a passion for painting and had become very good at it.
He will be missed greatly by family and friends.
Eldon is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Alice; daughter Sarah (Chris) Johnson, Jeremiah and Madeleine; son Nathan (Kristen) Lindstrom, Emily; son Aaron Lindstrom and son Stephen Lindstrom. All live in the Phoenix area.
He is also survived by mother Delores Lindstrom, Greeley, CO; sister Cynthia Johnson, Greeley, CO, Kristen, (Robbie) Dotson, Jacqueline, Alexa, Jakob and Aiden Naples, FL, Luke Johnson, Austin, TX; sister Cheryn (Bob) Wulf, Emylee, Hannah, Alyssa and Lauryn Sussex, WI; nieces Jordan (Kyle) Van Eimeren, Kalispell, MT, Jessica and Jocelyn Gentry, Chicago, IL.
Aunt Vivian (Herb) Becker, Severance, CO; cousins Jill (Todd) Belleau, Caleb and Nicole Brighton, CO; Jay (Debbie) Becker, Severance, CO; Dan (Megan) Becker, Gardner, KS.
Eldon was preceded in death by his grandparents Carl and Rose Lindstrom, Benard and Edna Swanson, Silver Manion, all of Greeley, CO, his father Donald Lindstrom, Greeley, CO and sister Cathryn Gentry, Fort Collins, CO.
Viewing will be on Thursday, July 18th from 5-7pm at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale.
Life celebration services will be held on July 20th, 2019 at 11:00am at Desert Springs Bible Church 16215 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix AZ 85032.
Visit hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.
Tributes
"Alice, our hearts are with you and your family as you grieve your earthly loss of Eldy. We know how much he loved you all and how he will be missed. Our prayers continue for you all. Susan and all the Moms In Prayer"
"Alice, Sharon and I give our deepest and heartful condolences to you and your family for LD?s passing. The last time I saw or spoke to him was at my wedding to Sharon. It was so thoughtful for everyone that attended our wedding. I truly regret I did not know both of you lived in the Phoenix area. I was an F-16 instructor at Luke 1986-1989. We moved from SC to Peoria AZ in Dec 17. Both were opportunities to get together. We intend to attend Saturday services and hope we have an opportunity to speak with each other. Homer & Sharon Smith"
"Dear Alice, So very sorry to hear of Eldie's passing. No words.... I did not know him but I know how much you loved him! We are praying for you and your family. Sincerely, Adrienne DiSalvo"
"Dear Lindstrom Family, So, so sorry for you loss. Eldy was one of my mates in Cadet Squadron 22 at the Air Force Academy. He was an absolute joyous person... a most wonderful man and friend. We all had great fun together... such wonderful memories. Blessings To You All, Jay Jolly CS-22 Class of 1974"
""Eldy" and our class of 1974 graduates spent three years together in "close proximity" in Cadet Squadron 22 at the Air Force Academy. That included mostly good times, hard work, and sometimes hard times, that brought us together into a brotherhood that we have cherished to this day with pride and sometimes nostalgia. That Greek word was once a compound word that meant "pain" and "ache," and were combined together to mean, "homecoming." That helps explain some of what we feel today. Eldy was always one of our "fun" guys, and was a friend of all. Now, forty-five years after we graduated and tossed our hats in the air, we marvel at Eldy's legacy of service to our country, his long professionalism in aviation, and his main priorities to his beloved family and church. We also celebrate his "homecoming," and look forward with faith to our next rendezvous in the air."
"I have admired, respected and considered Eldon my friend since childhood. I?m saddened to hear this news. My deepest sympathies to all the Lindstrom?s, a family that is dear to my heart."
"I remember fondly flying with Eldy a number of times when I was new to Southwest back in the late 80?s. He was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman. He was a great mentor to many of us and one of the very best. My condolences to you as his family."
"So sorry for your loss! LD was a great person, pilot and friend. We all lost a part of us with his passing."
"When I saw the news of Eldon's passing from the Air Force Academy website, I felt a sudden tug at my heart. We shared swim team experiences as freshmen and would joke at the Class of '74 reunions when we bumped into each other, comparing airline stories and life experiences. I am in prayer for your family Eldon, the world was better with you in it. God Bless."
"Eldon was a great person . Kind, patient and happy . He was a mentor to me in my early SWA career and left an impression and example I always tried to follow . We will all miss him . My heart goes out to all who loved him . Rest in peace L D ."
"My sincere condolences to family and friends. Eldon was a giving '74 classmate and squadron mate at the Academy. As a Colorado native, he was always ready with a Colorado story, history, and information on places to go and see on those rare opportunities to get out of the Academy. So helpful to a guy from California who had never been there. He was my go-to guide for the state, always willing to share his loving family and state heritage (think squadron car rally at his place). I still remember his extensive running narratives during Monday Night Football. A huge Broncos fan, he could usually call the plays, game outcome, and provide the in-depth analysis better than anyone. We are grateful for his caring friendship and for his life of service. RIP, Eldie."
"He is one of the Great Ones"
"Our heartfelt condolences from Eric and Marianne Burns. Eldee was a pleasure to fly with and a friend to all who knew him. So very sorry for your loss."
"So sorry to hear of Eldy?s passing. He was the ?baby? of our class at Southwest, and a tremendous pilot and gentleman. He will be missed."
"Eldon was a good man."
"Eldy was a fantastic person. I enjoyed flying with him. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Alice and the rest of his family."