Eldon Bodden, born on July 18, 1940, in George Town, Grand Cayman, was the beloved eleventh child of Annie Laurie and Vibert Ashlon Bodden. He passed away on the morning of May 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and dedication to family.
Eldon’s journey began in Cayman, where he attended private school in George Town before moving on to Cayman High School. His educational path then took him to Miami, Florida, where he attended Miami Senior High School and proudly marched with the band in the Orange Bowl. Later, he moved to Port Arthur, Texas, where he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School.
After high school, Eldon worked at Kroger, where he learned to be a butcher. Then, he answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. Army. After Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was stationed in Kenai, Alaska, where he served proudly. During this time, Eldon returned to Cayman to marry his fiancée, Brenda Ebanks, they married on July 8, 1964, a bond that would last for 60 beautiful years.
After his honorable discharge, Eldon returned to Cayman for a short while before making a home in Texas. Brenda joined him for Christmas in1965 to truly begin their time as a family. Eldon worked at Roy’s Market Basket as a butcher, and in 1967, he began a long and fulfilling career with Texaco, where he worked for 32 years. Eldon was a longtime member of OCAW Local 13-423 in Port Arthur, Texas.
The joy of fatherhood arrived on July 28, 1968, with the birth of their son, Eldon (Don) Andrew Bodden. Eldon was overjoyed to have a son and cherished coaching Don’s flag football and basketball teams.
Eldon became a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church on May 15, 1977.
Throughout his life, Eldon loved to travel, watch sports, and attend a good party! He and Brenda shared many unforgettable trips, including cruises, a trip to Canada, and adventures across the United States. But his heart always called him back to Grand Cayman. Eldon created cherished memories by filming his grandchildren’s milestones, and he loved spending time watching these and attending their ball games as well.
Eldon is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Brenda; his son, Don Bodden, and his wife Allyson. his beloved granddaughters, Scout, Drew, and Avery. Eldon’s sister, Pheobe Abrams; his brother, Vibert and his wife Nancy. Eldon's sisters-in-law, Marilee Parsons and husband Lewin, Margreta Parsons and husband George, and Spurgene Bothwell and husband Dalkeith; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who loved him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Eldon’s memory to the American Heart Association.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors at Baylor Scott and White for their exceptional care, as well as the nurses of Accent Care for their loving attention and dedication.
Eldon’s warmth, humor, and generosity will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.