Eldon L. Launer, 77, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield.

 

Eldon was born March 15, 1944, in Santa Monica, California, the son of Truman F. and Mabel C. (Hufendick) Launer and in 1948, the family moved back to the Basco area to help with the family farm.  He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1962 and from  Valparaiso Technical Institute in 1964.  In 1966 he joined the U.S. Army Reserves receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1973.  On August 12, 1967, he was united in marriage to Doris Jean Phipps at the Elvaston Presbyterian Church.  She survives.  Eldon had worked as a communications technician for the Illinois State Police Radio Lab from 1965 – 1970.  From 1970 to 1994 he worked for the Panhandle Eastern Pipeline as a microwave engineer.  He then returned to the Illinois State Police Radio Lab as a communications technician in 1994 until his retirement in 2005.

 

Eldon received his amateur radio license (HAM) while a sophomore in high school, WA9ACW, and was an active HAM radio operator his entire life and a member of the Sangamon Valley Radio Club.  He had a passion for American Indian history and was active in the Illinois State Museum Society and the Central States Archeological Society.  He maintained his family’s farm for many years after his parents’ deaths.  He was a collector of many things.

 

Eldon is survived by his wife, Doris, of Springfield; a son, Jon Frederick Launer of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; two grandsons, Jared Michael Ebel and Brayden Kai Launer; and several cousins.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; aunt; uncles; and cousins.

 

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in the Elvaston Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the Sangamon County Radio Club in care of Roger Whitaker, 2994 S. Douglas St., Springfield, IL  62704 or the Animal Protection League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL  62702.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.