Eldon Rockwell
Eldon “Rocky” Rockwell Jr. Heaven welcomed home Eldon “Rocky” Rockwell Jr. on Thursday, August 22, 2019, in Grants Pass, Oregon. He has left behind many aching hearts of family and friends, but we know he is happy and whole dancing on the streets of gold. Rocky was born on June 30, 1945, to Sibyl and Eldon Rockwell Sr. in Oakland, California, (though he never wanted to admit California as his birthplace). He was the oldest of six children. Rocky was part of an adventurous family often on the move. They made their home in many places, such as New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. In New Mexico, Eldon Sr. participated in the blacklisted film, Salt of the Earth, in which he and his brother played the part of the sheriff. Rocky was a young boy at the time, but he and his older cousin, David Rockwell, remember those events well. Around the age of 18, Rocky lived on a ranch in Sedona, Arizona, and helped with a lengthy cattle drive. This life experience left a lasting mark on Rocky. Cowboy boots and a cowboy hat became his staple wardrobe pieces. Eldon Sr. had the dream of moving the family to Oregon one day, but passed away at the young age of 46. Upon his passing, Rocky took up the responsibility of helping provide for the family. They left their home in Watsonville, California, and settled in Grants Pass, Oregon. Rocky started working in various mills around the area. While his mother and siblings remained in Grants Pass, Rocky moved to Brookings, where he ran the T and R Lumber Yard and sent money back home to his family. He moved back to Grants Pass in 1971 to go on a month-long trip with family. He continued to work various jobs, such as mills and lumber yards. Through Rocky’s sister Alma, he met Doreene Ivie. After about three and half months, they married on October 14, 1971. They had four children. Around 1988, Rocky started working for Ryder as a mobile diesel mechanic. He lived with a pager on his hip and was ready to hit the road at any moment. In 1994, Rocky and the family moved to La Pine, Oregon, where he continued to work for Ryder. Shortly thereafter, he became a truck driver for Ryder. After a couple years of living in the High Desert, the family returned to Grants Pass. He retired from Sprinter Trucking in August 2016. Rocky was a faithful member of Bethel Christian Center for around 41 years. He enjoyed playing guitar at church and being part of a close-knit congregation. His faith ran deep and influenced every corner of his life. In his spare time, Rocky enjoyed helping others. He would drop anything to go help someone in need. He also enjoyed staying busy outside, socializing with others (especially at The Riffle Cafe in Merlin), going to the coast, playing at weekly jam sessions, walking the dog, playing games, and fixing things, but playing his guitar and being around music was one of his greatest delights. It brought him such joy. Survivors include his wife, Doreene; sons, Mark, Michael and Tim; one daughter, Rachel; daughter-in-law, Roni; grandsons, Chris, Sam, Isaiah, Matthew and Noah; brothers, Asa and Tom; sisters, Alma and Helen; brothers-in-law, Wayne and Ron; and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Eldon Sr.; his mother, Sibyl; and his sister, Molly. A memorial service will be held at River Valley Church, 405 NE 6th St., Grants Pass, Oregon, on Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 10 a.m. with refreshments to follow. Arrangements with Stephens Family Chapel www.stephensfc.com.Obituary
Eldon “Rocky” Rockwell Jr. Heaven welcomed home Eldon “Rocky” Rockwell Jr. on Thursday, August 22, 2019, in Grants Pass, Oregon. He has left behind many aching hearts of family and friends, but we know he is happy and whole dancing on the streets of gold. Rocky was born on June 30, 1945, to Sibyl and Eldon Rockwell Sr. in Oakland, California, (though he never wanted to admit California as his birthplace). He was the oldest of six children. Rocky was part of an adventurous family often on the move. They made their home in many places, such as New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. In New Mexico, Eldon Sr. participated in the blacklisted film, Salt of the Earth, in which he and his brother played the part of the sheriff. Rocky was a young boy at the time, but he and his older cousin, David Rockwell, remember those events well. Around the age of 18, Rocky lived on a ranch in Sedona, Arizona, and helped with a lengthy cattle drive. This life experience left a lasting mark on Rocky. Cowboy boots and a cowboy hat became his staple wardrobe pieces. Eldon Sr. had the dream of moving the family to Oregon one day, but passed away at the young age of 46. Upon his passing, Rocky took up the responsibility of helping provide for the family. They left their home in Watsonville, California, and settled in Grants Pass, Oregon. Rocky started working in various mills around the area. While his mother and siblings remained in Grants Pass, Rocky moved to Brookings, where he ran the T and R Lumber Yard and sent money back home to his family. He moved back to Grants Pass in 1971 to go on a month-long trip with family. He continued to work various jobs, such as mills and lumber yards. Through Rocky’s sister Alma, he met Doreene Ivie. After about three and half months, they married on October 14, 1971. They had four children. Around 1988, Rocky started working for Ryder as a mobile diesel mechanic. He lived with a pager on his hip and was ready to hit the road at any moment. In 1994, Rocky and the family moved to La Pine, Oregon, where he continued to work for Ryder. Shortly thereafter, he became a truck driver for Ryder. After a couple years of living in the High Desert, the family returned to Grants Pass. He retired from Sprinter Trucking in August 2016. Rocky was a faithful member of Bethel Christian Center for around 41 years. He enjoyed playing guitar at church and being part of a close-knit congregation. His faith ran deep and influenced every corner of his life. In his spare time, Rocky enjoyed helping others. He would drop anything to go help someone in need. He also enjoyed staying busy outside, socializing with others (especially at The Riffle Cafe in Merlin), going to the coast, playing at weekly jam sessions, walking the dog, playing games, and fixing things, but playing his guitar and being around music was one of his greatest delights. It brought him such joy. Survivors include his wife, Doreene; sons, Mark, Michael and Tim; one daughter, Rachel; daughter-in-law, Roni; grandsons, Chris, Sam, Isaiah, Matthew and Noah; brothers, Asa and Tom; sisters, Alma and Helen; brothers-in-law, Wayne and Ron; and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Eldon Sr.; his mother, Sibyl; and his sister, Molly. A memorial service will be held at River Valley Church, 405 NE 6th St., Grants Pass, Oregon, on Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 10 a.m. with refreshments to follow. Arrangements with Stephens Family Chapel www.stephensfc.com.
Events
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