Eldon Don Gager was born October 29, 1935, in Woodston, Kansas, to Agnes Anne (Nech) and Clyde (Sliv) Merle Gager. Eldon grew up in Woodston and graduated from Woodston High School with the class of 1954. He continued his education at Ft. Hayes College in Hayes, Kansas.
On February 23, 1955, Eldon enlisted into the U.S. Navy where he served on the Essex-Class Aircraft Carrier the USS Antietam. While on the Antietam, Eldon was engaged in producing fresh water for the ship and was an MP during shore leave. Eldon was honorably discharged February 13, 1959.
On January 14, 1992, Eldon married Shirley Harrison in Imperial, Nebraska, and the couple settled in Imperial where they lived for 31 years. Eldon was employed as a police officer in several communities including McCook, Ogallala and Imperial. In addition to his service as a police officer, he also worked at the Union 76 Station, Cook Ready Mix, Groff Ag and the Chase County Transit.
Eldon enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, crafts, hunting, playing pitch with friends, and fishing (which was his passion). He especially loved spending time with his family.
Eldon passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, at the Chase County Community Hospital, Imperial, NE. He was 87 years of age.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents: Agnes and Clyde Gager.
Survivors Include:
Wife: Shirley of Imperial, NE.
Son: Glenn (Bronco) Gager and wife, Laurie, of Lemoyne, NE.
Daughter: Dawn Stewart of Plattsmouth, NE.
Step-Sons: Duane Burton and wife, Carrie, of Palisade, NE.
Keith Burton and wife, Heather, of Carmel, IN.
Grandchildren: Hagen Gager; Coy Gager; Daniel, Caitlyn, Graeme, Faith and Samuel Burton; Kayla and Ryan Burton; and Allison, Lauren and Kevin Stewart.
Great-grandchildren: Chloe and Oakley Gager, Oaklyn Burton, Berklee, Braxton, Bodie and Bailey Loomis.
Half-Brother: Mike Gilliland and wife, Tammy, of Bird City, KS.
Sister: Joyce Sodden of Jacksonville, FL.
Graveside services (With Full Military Honors) will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, 1:00 P.M. (MT) at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, Nebraska, with Rev. Lloyd Bley officiating.
Eldon’s wishes were for cremation with no visitation.
A memorial, In Eldon’s Memory, has been suggested to the Gager Family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com which has been entrusted with arrangements.