Tex Eldridge, 70, of Closplint, went home to be with the Lord Friday, March 15, 2013, at the Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital following a long illness. Born December 17, 1942 in Harlan County, he was a retired coal miner and a member of the Closplint Church of God.

Tex was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Gracie Blevins Eldridge; a brother, Eddie Eldridge; and a grandson, Terry Joseph Eldridge.

Survivors include his wife of almost 50 years, Betty Shuler Eldridge, Closplint; four children, Terena Sizemore and husband, Stevie, Evarts; Teresa Taylor and husband, Scotty, Closplint; Tex Lee Eldridge and special friend, Christie Brummett, Closplint; Terry Eldridge and wife, Christina, Closplint; six grandchildren, Steven Sizemore and wife, Brittany; Tiffanie Graham and husband, John; Dakota Taylor; Gabrielle Taylor; Jerrica Eldridge; and Karrissa Eldridge; and three great-grandchildren, Harley and Macy Sizemore, and Natalie Graham.

Also surviving are four sisters, Anna Slaven and husband, Charlie, Watts Creek; Peggy Miller and husband, Kyle, North Carolina; Imogene Brock, Knoxville; Sue Sage and husband, Clifford, Illinois; and two brothers, Charles Eldridge and wife, Sheila, Highsplint; Jimmy Eldridge and wife, Margie, Closplint.

Visitation will be held after 5 pm Sunday at the Closplint Church of God.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, March 18, 2013, at 2 pm at the Closplint Church of God with the Reverend Frank Howard, Reverend Stevie Sizemore and Bill Shuler officiating.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens with grandsons and other family serving as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.harlanobits.net.

Evarts Funeral Home is in charge of his arrangements.