Rolland “Rod” Eley

It is with great sadness that the Eley family announces the passing of their beloved father, brother, grandfather and uncle, Rolland Eley. Rod passed into eternal peace on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the Edinburg Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Edinburg, Texas after a valiant battle with cancer.Rod was preceded in death by his parents George and Coral Eley of Columbus, OH, and by his brothers Paul (Doris) and Curt (Shirley) Eley. He is survived by his sons Mark Eley of Hercules, CA and Tim (Tina) Eley of Boise, ID, his grand-daughters Jessica and Jennifer Eley, his brothers Bob (Maxine), Bernard (Faye) and George (Marcia) Eley, his sister Nadine (Tad) Flugge, and many nieces and nephews. Rod was born in Hoytville, OH and graduated from Ada High School in 1940. He entered military service two years later by enlisting in the Marine Corps. After boot camp, Field Radio Operator training, and Radio Materiel School, Rod served in the 15th Recruit Regiment as a Private First Class. He later served with the 4th Marine Division earning the rank of corporal before transferring to V12 for POFC training.After the war ended, Rod earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Ohio Northern University in 1951. A long, successful career followed, first with Sperry Gyroscope in Los Angeles and Phoenix, and then with Boeing Aerospace in Seattle where he retired in 1987 after working on the SHRAM Missile project, the Inertial Upper Stage Support Equipment and other interesting projects.Rod was married to Joan (Prigg) Eley for 39 years from 1955 until their divorce in 1994. In 2004 he relocated to Alamo TX where he led an active retirement, golfing, volunteering at Pharr Methodist Church and assisting with behind-the-scenes stage work for his local community theater group. During his recent illness, Rod expressed enormous gratitude for the support he received from his family and friends at the Alamo Country Club and the Pharr Methodist Church. His participation in the annual reunions of the Eley Family and the 4th Marine Division were some of the highlights of his life.A memorial service will be held at Pharr United Methodist Church, 119 E. Kelly, Pharr, TX on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 11am. If desired, In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to the Pharr United Methodist Church. A private service for family will be held at a later date. Rod will be dearly missed by family and friends who have been touched by his warmth, his humor and his generous spirit.