Eldon James Knudson

Eldon James Knudson, 85, of Clifton passed away Monday, December 3, 2018 at Goodall-Witcher Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the Rock Church, with Rev. Ryan Pederson officiating. Burial will follow at Rock Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately after the conclusion of the burial at the Gathering Place on the grounds of the Old Rock Church.

Eli was born July 29, 1933 in Cranfills Gap, Texas, the youngest of five children born to parents Charlie G. Knudson and Emma P. Knudson.

He grew up on his parents’ farm in Cranfills Gap and after graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force on his 20th birthday and was stationed in England for three years during the Korean War era. He always spoke proudly of his service to his country and the experiences his service provided him. Upon his discharge from the service, he moved to Dallas and went to work for Braniff International Airways as a baggage handler and enjoyed an almost 30-year career with Braniff. After his retirement from Braniff, he returned to Bosque County, moving to Clifton. An avid sports fan, he loved the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys and rarely missed a game on TV. He always wanted to see the Rangers win the World Series. Eli was a quiet man by nature, but was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and cherished his family history.

A lifelong bachelor, he was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Emma and all four of his siblings, Glennie Copeland, Cecil Knudson, Doris Haltom and Pearl Holt. He is survived by nieces Tricia Wiggs, Beverly Gaspard, Hadlee Jackson, and Betty Marburger; and nephews Curtis Copeland, Richard Haltom, Russell Haltom, James Haltom and Wade Knudson, as well as other great nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers are Chris Pederson, Garrett Jackson, Paul Rohne, James Moore, Kenneth Wiese and Mark Wallace.