Eldon Gallear

“Commander” is a U.S. Merchant Marine veteran who will never be seen again. He is a “Battlin’ Pete” braving out World War II torpedoes; a man with many tales of life in every corner of the world.

“We know the fate of this mariner; he is now in the presence of the most high.”

Eldon’s survivors are his wife, Rose, one brother and one sister; two sons; eight daughters; three step-children; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren. All will miss his smiling face and tear-inducing stories.

A celebration of life and the rest of his story will be June 11 at 2 p.m. at Sunny Knik Chapel, mile 14 on Knik Goose Bay Road. A potluck will follow the service. Donations may be made to Sunny Knik Chapel or the Sunny Knik Chapel Food Bank.