John William Eldred

ELDRED, JOHN WILLIAM, of Waterford; at 86 years of age, passed away peacefully while at home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after courageously battling a rare form of skin cancer, Merkle Cell Carcinoma.

John was born on Sunday, September 10, 1939, at home in Coral, Michigan to Kenneth Ernest and Alice Victoria (nee Hansen) Eldred. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1957, having enjoyed playing on the basketball team.

After high school, from 1957 to 1959, John attended and graduated from Ferris Institute, now Ferris State University. He received a degree from the Trade and Industrial Division in Radio-Television Service. After graduation, John was hired by IBM as a Customer Service Engineer in the industry of information technology equipment. John was very dedicated and passionate about all aspects of his work. His precise attention to detail and persistence in addition to his exceptional mechanical abilities allowed him to solve and repair machinery others could not. John enthusiastically embraced the challenge of figuring new things out. He increased and developed his working knowledge as technology advanced to become proficient in many types of equipment. John’s aptitude and experience ranged from clocks, typewriters, copiers, mainframes, personal computers, and many other types of state-of-the-art equipment. He retired after enjoying a successful 38-year career with IBM. For a short stint thereafter, he was able to use his knowledge of hunting and various sports, coupled with a love of meeting and helping people, by working in the Sporting Goods Department of the Waterford Kmart.

On June 10, 1961, he met the love of his life, Gloria Steelman, while they were out with friends. Three months later, on September 9, 1961, they were married, had two loving children, and remained committed to each other until his passing; just shy of their 65th wedding anniversary.

Faith played a huge part of John’s life since his younger years. His legacy includes many family members who were grounded in their beliefs. John always had a heart for God, would strive to live accordingly. From a young child, he attended church and assumed the responsibility of ringing the huge church bell which informed the local community services were soon to begin. He participated in his church youth group with its numerous activities. It wasn’t until after he was married that he truly came to understand the difference between religion and a personal relationship and walk with Christ. He quietly lived out his faith in the Lord as well as his beliefs.

Other diverse interests held included earning his FCC-issued Amateur Radio Operator licenses (HAM), being a Member and Treasurer for the Oakland County Amateur Radio Society (OCARS), assisting with local County Emergency Management operations and equipment (the monthly sirens you hear to notify of disasters), obtaining certifications in locksmithing and Morse Code, mechanical puzzles, bowling, fishing, horseshoes, hunting, table tennis, traveling, and spending time loved ones at the family “farm” and cottage, being a former member of the Oakland County Sportsman Club and D.R. Wilson Rifle and Pistol Club, a lifetime NRA Member.

John is survived by his wife, Gloria Eldred; children, John (Peggy) Eldred, Amy Eldred; grandchildren Michael (Jillian) Eldred, Joseph (Racheal) Eldred, Elizabeth Lynch, Olivia Lynch; great grandchildren William Eldred, Bennett Eldred, Aubri Garcia, Levi Eldred, and Kameron White. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Houghton; sisters-in-law Kay Wheeler and Susan Steelman, several nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

John will be remembered for his unwavering commitment, devotion to, and love of family; quiet strength, humility, chivalry, and life of faith; hard-working, dedicated provider; happy, joyful, positive, good-natured, and outgoing demeanor; kindness and desire to help others and enhance community; the appreciation for a good mechanical puzzle, riddle, joke or humorous situation; patriotism; the zest and zeal for living and having fun.

John was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and forever remembered. Having touched many lives in his 86 years, he is leaving behind countless, ever-lasting, impactful, and cherished memories until we see him again.

Pastor Joe Wilson will be officiating a Celebration of Life Service honoring John on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Preceding the service, Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Eastern times) at the Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home, Clarkston, Michigan.

Donations may be made to The River Church of Waterford or to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).

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