Gary Dean Eldridge, 73, of Portsmouth, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. He was born in Portsmouth on July 22, 1951, to the late Jesse Eldridge and Colleen Shedd Ramey.
A 1970 Portsmouth High School graduate, Gary served in the Army and was a James Dickey Post #23 American Legion member. He retired as a service technician after a 27-year career with Columbia Gas. Gary was also a member of the Aurora Masonic Lodge #48 F & AM.
His wife, Jennifer Lee Pixie Eldridge, preceded him in death on October 17, 2003. The couple was married in Virginia on April 7, 1979.
Surviving are his children, Gary Dean (Renee) Eldridge II of Charlotte, NC, and Elizabeth Anne (Jason) Naber of Lewis Center; four grandsons, Benjamin and Samuel Naber, and Gavan and Grant Eldridge; a brother, Larry (Linda) Eldridge of Chillicothe; brother-in-law, Henry Applegate of Portsmouth; and sister-in-law, Donna Eldridge of New Boston; and several nieces, nephews and their families.
Also preceding Gary in death were siblings, Jack Eldridge,Teresa Applegate and Connie Eldridge.
Masonic services will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the RALPH F. SCOTT FUNERAL HOME in Portsmouth, immediately followed by funeral services with Pastor Frank Tallerico officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park with the James Dickey American Legion Post conducting Military Graveside rites.
The family will receive friends from 11 A.M. until the service hour at the funeral home on Saturday.
The flag of the U.S. Army will fly at the funeral home in honor of Mr. Eldridge’s service to our country.