(Member Of Lockport Church Since 1964)
Eldon L. Birky, age 85, passed away Thursday October 3rd, 2024. He was born in Fisher, Illinois on July 16th, 1939 to Alvin and Elizabeth Birky.
He had three older and loving sisters, Delilah (Paul Stamm), Margie (Jesse Liechty), and Edith (John King) all of whom preceded him in death.
Eldon had an eye for detail and was gifted with the understanding of fine measurements and meticulous labor.
Combining his gifts with a passion for woodworking he successfully started his own business, Precision Pattern and Mold.
In his business he created unique, often ornate patterns out of wood to make molds; many of which for products people still use around their home on a daily basis.
Answering the call to Prison Ministry, Eldon spent countless hours at CCNO sharing the love of Christ with all who had an ear to listen for over 20 years.
Eldon enjoyed working at Sauder Village feeling right at home constructing Wig-Wams, and tipis while working on the Natives and Newcomers exhibit and Trading Post. He also spent time in the Cooper Shop making buckets just as they did in “the olden days” without modern tools.
Eldon was blessed with three wonderful children from his first marriage, Jeffery, Michael (passed 2021), and Carmen Birky (Roberts) as well as their children, Joel, Zach, Denae and Katelyn Birky, Scott (deceased), Weston and Amber Birky, and Rebekah (Phelps), Joshua, Rachel (Olalla), Rayna and Rylah Roberts. As well as seven great-grandchildren, Myah, Declan, Maddox, Trentin, Taylah, Turock and Valerie.
Eldon married Jan on July 20th, 1991; she survives. She has two daughters, Krista (Doug Way) and Stacey (Jason Pelfrey) as well as their children, Brandon (Victory), Kayla (Mike Adkins), Chelsea and Mason. They also have 5 great-grandchildren, Audrey, Liam, Owen, Karli and Kenny.
Some of his favorite hobbies were gardening, taking walks through the woods, singing, hiking and listening to live Gospel Music.
Eldon and Jan loved traveling the US by car to some of their favorite places including Florida, Branson, Missouri, and of course the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Ever the servant, he enjoyed spending numerous hours in his shop after he retired making dozens of benches, stools, wooden spoons and anything else that was requested.
Eldon was a member of Lockport Church since 1964 and was always finding ways to serve. He taught Sunday School as well as Bible School, he ushered, was on the Missions Committee, and the Visitation Committee.
He never met a stranger and was always eager to share the Good News. One of his favorite verses he would quote was Psalm 91:2 “I will say of The Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him I will trust”.
There will be a service at Lockport Mennonite Church Saturday, October 26th. Visitation 9-11am, service at 11am, lunch to follow.
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