Thomas H. Eldridge

Thomas Henry Eldridge, 40, of Des Moines, IA passed away suddenly in his sleep on October 19, 2023. His family and many friends are all devastated by this enormous loss. He will be forever missed by those he loved and those who loved him. Tom gave the best bear hugs!

Tom was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 22, 1982 to Sarah Pitts and George T. Eldridge, Jr. He was born a naturally sweet, kind soul with a heart of gold, and was destined to become a die-hard Vikings and Twins fan. Early in life, Tom moved with his family to West Des Moines, IA where he attended Western Hills elementary, Stillwell Jr. High, and Valley Southwoods High Schools According to his autobiography written in first grade, Tom’s favorite sport was soccer. But while experimenting with baseball and basketball, he found the love of his life…FOOTBALL. As a sophomore, Tom moved with his father and step-mother to Raleigh, NC where he graduated as a proud Leesville Lion, competing as an offensive lineman and furthering his love of football.

Tom was committed to his family and friends. He loved his work family at Star Bar where he worked as a bartender, server, and manager for over ten years. Cheers may have had Norm, but Wellman’s Pub was blessed with Tom…that bar stool now stands empty.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, George Eldridge, Jr.; and his brother, Matt Eldridge.

He will be remembered with unbounded love and devotion by his mother, Sarah Pitts (affectionately called ‘Ma’); step-mother, Karen Lea Peters; older brothers, Bill Kelley and his wife, Ungee; Michael Eldridge and his wife, Erin; older sisters, Emily Kelley; Jennifer Eldridge; bonus older brothers, Chris Peters and his wife, Meghan, and Tom Peters and his wife, Suzanne. Tom was the ‘Funcle’ (Fun Uncle) to Alex Kelley, Tim Kelley, Robin Kelley, Felicia Eldridge, Gannon Jeffries, Carter Eldridge, Kaitlyn Eldridge, and Louis Peters. Tom leaves behind a long list of deeply saddened aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and many, many close friends.

A gathering will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm at The Star Bar, then we will make our way up Ingersoll Avenue to Wellman’s Pub at 5:00 pm for continued celebration of his life and root on the NC State Wolfpack at 7:00pm. We invite you to join us – Vikings apparel not required.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to patron a local restaurant or watering hole. Tip generously and thank the hard-working staff.

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