Ssgt Mangrum

Eldridge Lafayette Mangrum was born on November 23, 1932, in Decatur, Alabama to Y.Z. Mangrum and Bessie Odell Finch. He was the first born of fourteen siblings. He attended Decatur Public Schools until he began working long hours in his early teens, including working part time with his father delivering heavy bags and blocks of ice to grocery stores, hospitals and other locations. In 1965, Eldridge enlisted in the US Air Force as a teen and honorably served his country for twenty years in the food service industry. He received many awards and retired as a Staff Sergeant. After his retirement, Eldridge continued to work in the food industry, using his talents at a nursing home and the Job Corps. Eldridge married Johnnie M. Warner at the age of twenty in Luka, Mississippi, and from this union, four children were born: Judy, Eldridge, Jr., Sharon, and Valerie. Eldridge was a very proud and hardworking father. The family enjoyed many good times together. He loved the time he spent with his family and friends, particularly enjoying listening to music, reliving past experiences, storytelling, and car rides. After living in Massachusetts, he joined his sister, Janet, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, where he lived in her home for two years. He then moved to Denver, Colorado to be closer to his children and other family members. In Denver, he continued to enjoy his favorite past times. Eldridge loved the Lord and was a member of the Church Of God In Christ. He took his relationship with the Lord seriously and always had an encouraging word to share. "We will remember with love Eldridge L. Mangrums warm heart wonderful smile, generosity and leadership." He is preceded in death by his parents, Y.Z. Mangrum, Bessie Odell Finch; twin sisters, Julia Lee, Julia Mae, and brothers, Percy Alvin and Ross Edward; granddaughter, Tamia Johnson. Eldridge L. Mangrum departed this life on February 2, 2015, in Denver Colorado at the age of 82. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Judy Renai (Elliott) Logan, Eldridge L Mangrum Jr., Sharon B. Mangrum, and Valerie Gay Bryant, all of Colorado; 5 Sisters, Kalister Green-Byrd of Haverhill, MA, Janet M. Cato of Tuscumbia, AL, Mattie Mangrum of New York, Thisia M. (Robert) Kelly of Montgomery and Patricia Wynn of Decatur , AL; 4 Brothers, Y.Z. Mangrum, Jr. of Decatur, AL, Ruben A. ( Ruthielee) Mangrum of Haverhill, MA, Curtis Williams (Janice) of Washington, and Steve (Sonja) Davis of Florida; 11 Grandchildren, Jeffery E. (Javaz) Huntington of Maryland, Rhonda Walker of North Carolina, David Bennett of Colorado, Rashida Walter of North Carolina, Tenique (Calvin) Broughton of Florida, Dorian Bennett, Ralonda Huntington, Tamilo Johnson, Jason Bennett, and Danielle Bennett, all of Colorado; a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 2/9/2015 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 2/10/2015 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 2/10/2015 at 2:00 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO