Roll Call Tribute

Elden Earl Deland, Jr. 

June 12, 1938 - September 16, 2023 

Elden Earl Deland, Jr., 85, of Calf Creek, Brady, Texas, went to his heavenly home Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Elden Earl was born on June 12, 1938, to Lucille (Pridemore) and Earl Deland, Sr., in Brownwood, Texas. He was raised in Ozona where he made many lifelong friends.

He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering and made a career of working for various cities including Odessa, Marshall, Wichita Falls, Beaumont, Farmers Branch and Mesquite. After his retirement from the City of Mesquite in 2003, Elden and Betty moved to Calf Creek to fulfill his dream of living on the family land.

Elden was a proud and devoted daddy and granddaddy and would brag about the accomplishments of his grandchildren to anyone that would listen. He was a simple man that loved the country life, hunting, and in later years watching the wildlife out the front windows. He often referred to his home as his Heaven on Earth and said that he felt closer to God here than anywhere else. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who loved him.

Elden Earl is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Merle Ingham Deland, and son David Earl Deland.

He is survived by his son James Elden Deland and wife Patricia (Gardner), daughter Deborah Merle (Deland) Ramirez and husband Felix, grandchildren Katherine Michele (Deland) Chen and husband Mark, Hanna Elizabeth Deland and Lance Terro, Gracelyn Ann (Deland) Westover and husband Benjamin, and James Wesley Deland.

Remembering Earl's wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. May he rest in peace and live on within the memories of his loved ones.

Graveside services will be held Saturday September 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Calf Creek Cemetery off of FM 1131 and CR 108.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Brady.