Eldon F. Temple, 85, of Salina, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2019. He was born, in Axtell, Kan., to Oliver and Erma (Cochran) Temple.

He moved to Marysville, in 1938 and completed school in Home, Kan. In 1954 Eldon met the love of is life Maxine Duree. They married in Abilene, July 3, 1954. In 1956 he was drafted into the Army. Over the next 20 years Eldon served on multiple combat tours including three in Vietnam and two in Korea. He retired from Ft. Riley where he held positions as an instructor for Engineering Training Forces, First Sergeant, and Operations Sergeant of the Engineering Group.

After retirement, Eldon was an over the road truck driver for 30 years. He loved to travel the country with Maxine in their camper. They were snowbirds in Texas for 16 years and frequently visited Mexico. Eldon loved to fish and thoroughly enjoyed watching the Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks, and Kansas State. Eldon was a very ornery guy who loved to joke around with everyone and loved his family more than anything.

He is survived by: daughter, June E. Cooper; godson, Chris Lewis (Megan) and their children, Kaitlyn, Christopher Jr., Meredith, Rosalie, and Theodore. He was preceded in death by: his wife of 60 years, Maxine; daughter, Melissa Kim Temple; and brothers, Daryl B. Temple and Loren K. Temple.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. with family receiving friends 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, Salina, with burial following in Roselawn Cemetery.

Memorials to Grand Ave Church, 304 W. Grand Ave. Salina.