Eldon Eli Englebretson, age 81 of Webber Falls, OK, passed from this life on February 15, 2017. Burial for Eldon will be at 12:00 noon on Monday, February 20, 2017 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery under the direction of Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home of Webbers Falls. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 20, 2017 at the First Assembly of God in Webbers Falls with Reverend Wendell Cox officiating.


Eldon was born on February 7, 1936, in Tuttle, OK, where he spent his childhood. It was in Minco, OK, where he met his future bride Effie at church and made her his wife in 1956. At the age of 17, Eldon joined the Oklahoma National Guard and served for 43 years. He was recognized for his marksmanship while in the service. Eldon worked for Amis and Arbuckle Construction Companies for many years as an office manager and was employed there during the construction of Eufaula Lake. After relocating across the state while working construction, he also worked for Tinker Air Force Base. Eldon and his family finally settled in Webbers Falls, where they lived for 31 years. He later retired from Jess Dunn Correctional Facility in Taft, OK, after 20 years of service.

Eldon’s hobbies included hunting and fishing, working outside on “honey-do’s,” playing board games, telling stories, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Some of his favorite times included traveling on vacation with his family, especially the grandchildren. Eldon never met a stranger, and he enjoyed sharing his life in Christ with others and studying the Bible. He was a generous man who loved giving to others, and he contributed to many charitable causes, particularly those that spread the Gospel.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Effie Englebretson of the home; his brother Delbert and his wife Pat of Oklahoma City, OK; daughter Denise Bales of Oktaha, OK; and son David Englebretson and his wife Karrie of Braggs, OK. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Tim and Lyndzi Bales of Oktaha, OK; Kirsten and Danny Harrison of Fort Gibson, OK; Darin and Jessica Bales of McCurtain, OK; Sasha Bales of Oktaha, OK; Heather and Devin Newbury of Fort Gibson, OK; Ashley and Mitch Miller of Muskogee, OK; and Madyson and Kyndell Englebretson of Braggs, OK. He also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren that he loved: Hannah Harrison, Levi Harrison, Jaxon Bales, Aniston Bales, Abbygail Bales, Daidon Bales, Havyn Newbury, Ian Scott, Ava Scott and Mia Scott.

Eldon was preceded in death by his son Mark Englebretson; his parents Oliver and Alice Englebretson; brothers Bud Englebretson, George Englebretson, and Earl Englebretson and sister Maxine Utt; and granddaughter Mickayla Bales.